Freedom That Money Can’t Buy

Freedom That Money Can’t Buy

Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Acts 3:6-8

Art’s situation was like many I’ve seen over the years. He developed debilitating arthritis at a young age. When it got so bad that he could barely walk, he was put on disability. He saw specialists in orthopedics and rheumatology but was unable to qualify for surgery because he didn’t have insurance.

I began seeing Art on a regular basis as he came in for pain medication and to get a signature on his disability forms to validate what was obvious to anyone who saw him—he was physically unable to work.

One day, he came in with some good news. After nearly two years on disability, he qualified for government insurance and was now able to have the surgery he needed to replace both knee joints. Six weeks later, he was out of a wheelchair and walking. After additional rehab, he threw away his crutches.

The next time I saw him, Art had a big grin on his face.

“No disability papers this time, Dr. Anderson,” he said. “Instead, I need a physical for my new job.”

“That’s great news, Art!”

“All the praise goes to God for removing the chains of bureaucracy and for the miracle of surgery to rid me of this disability.”

I think of Art whenever I hear the story of the lame man whom God healed through Peter. For the first time in this man’s life, he could walk, run, and leap for joy. I can only imagine the response inside the Temple when he walked in with Peter and John, praising God in front of the same people who had been tossing coins at him for years. Now he had a freedom that money couldn’t buy.

It’s exciting to know that this miracle happened after Jesus ascended into heaven—that, even today, miracles can still happen in his name.

TODAY’S RX

Don’t settle for mere silver and gold. Ask God to heal you and set you free.

Lord, remind me daily that all good gifts come from you—and that nothing this world has to offer compares to your power and strength. May you alone receive praise and glory for restoring the health and strengthening the spirits of those in need.