Leaping and Praising

Think about the most amazing thing that has ever happened to you in your life. How did you respond? Was it a shout for joy, singing or dancing? When amazing things happen we cannot contain the excitement.

What started off as a routine day in the life of a crippled beggar quickly changed into a day of leaping and praising God. “But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Acts 3: 6-8)

Can you imagine what that must have been like? The man had never stood up on his feet in his entire life. Then immediately he was walking, leaping and praising God. It’s interesting to note that “strength did not come to the lame man until Peter said “rise up and walk,” and not until Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up.” Thinking about this reminds me of my life before Jesus. I was looking everywhere but to Jesus and then one day a believing family crossed our path and pointed my family to Jesus. They were real, genuine people and their walk matched their talk.

They invited us to church and basically held our hand the entire way. Once we were there, standing in a church, we heard the message of salvation and our lives have never been the same. Then the praising began!

Just like the man in the story, we are forever changed. His life after his healing offers a pattern for new believers. “First, he attached himself to the apostles (entered the temple with them). Secondly, he immediately started to use what God had given him (walking, leaping). Finally, he began to praise and worship God (praising God).” (Blue Letter Bible)

Connection with other believers is such a gift and strength. That is where we received so much encouragement and teaching as we began to walk out the path God planned for us. We continue to learn about using what God has given us for His glory and purpose and we get the privilege of praising and worshiping God.

That was the greatest day in my life, the day that I accepted Jesus and began a relationship with Him. He sent His followers to speak the truth and help lift us up. Those amazing people were Bryan and Ellen Killam and I am forever grateful for them.

My prayer

Father, thank you for sending Your messengers to bring us the Good News. Your presence was and is evident in their lives and I pray that I too will bring the Good News to others so they can leap and jump and praise You. Guide and protect them as they continue to serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”