As I was talking to my brother Charlie today, I was reminded of a story from the Bible. It was the story of Peter and James as they were going to the temple to worship. A man whom I’m sure they had seen before was sitting by the gate begging alms. When they approached him, they told him that they didn’t have any money (silver or gold) but he was free to accept what they did have. Peter took the man by the hand and said, “In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk.” The scripture records that immediately the man rose to his feet and went singing, dancing, and praising God. What a great story of God’s provision!

I’ve heard it said that Peter and James didn’t have any money. I’ve also heard it taught that they just didn’t have any with them and they had probably given to this man before. I believe that many times we miss the true message of the story. Who cares if they did or didn’t have the money. I believe God spoke something as I was having this conversation that sheds light on a deeper part of this story.

So many times, we focus on the wrong things. I remember a conversation I had with someone many years ago. This was during a time when in some circles a manifestation of “gold dust” was happening. Now I’m not here to debate whether that was of God or not. I’m sure you already have your opinion of it. So, as I was talking to this person, they said they were in a service where the gold dust fell. They were trying to show me the flakes of dust but there were no to be seen. My response was, “Well, it’s a very poor god that gives you gold dust when you need a healing.” This person was in need of a major healing and gold dust was not going to change anything.

My point through this is that when you need something, doesn’t God know it? Case in point…the disciples needed to pay taxes. Jesus told them to go fishing. Voila…..a coin inside a fish….problem solved. What if the blind man had come to Jesus to be healed and Jesus said, “Hey man, here’s a denari.” Now what good would that have done? I believe in a very specific God. Here’s another…Jesus needed to go through Samaria…another specific journey. While going that way, He encounters a woman drawing water from a well. He basically reads her mail. He specifically tells her about her life and brings hope and healing to her. Now that’s the kind of God I serve. Countless times throughout the Bible I have seen specific answers. Even in my own life, I have seen specific results to prayer.

In order to rebut any “God knows more than we do” thinkers, let me say that I do believe that sometimes God does answer prayers a little differently than we ask. When I was maybe 2 or so, my family was going to go on a Saturday fishing trip to a pond. I remember asking a dear saint who went with us to pray that I caught a fish….yep, a little man of faith even at that age. That day, I didn’t catch a fish. However, I did learn to tie my shoes. Wooo hooo! Cool things is that the next time we went, I caught a fish.

My friend, God knows every little detail of your life. Jesus even said that God cares for the sparrow and aren’t you more valuable than they are? If you need a healing today, then believe God for that healing. It’s not an “if it be Your will thing” either. By His stripes you were healed….a completed act verified through the stripes of Jesus. Maybe you need your taxes paid (or some other bill). Know that He is able to meet your need even if it means going fishing. Be specific with God. I believe Pastor Cho from Korea says if you need a bike, be specific of the color you want. God is big enough. The One who created the heavens and the earth can surely give you what you need. After all, you are His child. If you’re not, then we need to have another conversation…your greatest need is for you to accept the work of Christ on the cross to erase your sins. Send me an email or click on one of the links for help in that area. Every one would be happy to talk to you about that.
Oh, speaking of my brother Charlie, maybe next time I can get him to share about a revelation he had about Moses being hidden in the bulrushes.
Until next time…live long and prosper!