Reading this passage, with today's culture in mind, it's a little strange to learn how Peter reacts to the people's awe and surprise when he heals the man who could not walk.
The crowd is amazed at what they see, they know that some kind of miracle has been performed. It would have been so easy for Peter to take the credit, to be the hero, to be worshipped. One of the first things he says in his address to the crowd is this, though: "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" He immediately gives the credit and the glory and the honor to God.
Do you notice all the roles that God plays in your life? When things are going well...when they are going poorly? It's easy to give ourselves the credit when things are on the up, we don't tend to think about God's place in things until the bottom falls out. We should be like Peter-always giving God the glory-for everything, good or bad.
-Jenni
I wish we all would give God credit for ALL our blessings! We have so much and, as Jenni said, often give ourselves credit.
ReplyDeleteWhat's amazing is that some people do "blame" God for the bad thing: "I can't believe God would do this to my family." I truly do not believe that God causes the bad, but allows our choices to be made and life to happen.
There is some interesting new brain research on the effect of "gratitude" on our bodies. Though it is secular, it has proven that an attitude of gratitude can improve body functions - including the brain. I believe this is another way that God will work in our lives - if we allow Him to do so!