An interruption is often God’s invitation.
Life can be extremely hectic and chaotic. We are bombarded with snail mail, email, text messages, and cell phone calls. Our lives are marked by perpetual busyness. In the midst of being on the go all the time, we encounter interruptions. Sometimes an interruption occurs when we are on our way to engage in a meaningful experience such as corporate worship. Peter and John had that kind of interruption.
“Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.” Acts 3:2-3 (NIV)
They were about to enter the place of worship. Peter and John were almost stepping through the temple gate when they were interrupted by a beggar. The unnamed beggar snatched the moment by asking them for money. Peter and John could have easily ignored the man, but they chose to turn the interruption into an opportunity to make Jesus known.
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'” Acts 3:6 (NIV)
Jesus is not asking you to be something you are not. Jesus is not asking you to give something you do not have. He wants you to be who you are in Christ and be willing to give what you have in order to bless others.
Peter and John gave the beggar so much more than money could buy. They were channels of blessing which provided spiritual and physical healing to the man who had been crippled since birth. Because of their willingness to turn an interruption into an opportunity, the man experiences healing and began walking and jumping and praising God in the temple.
Be ready for an interruption today. It just might be God’s invitation for you to join Him in His activity.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care