IS IT TIME TO SET THE BAR HIGHER?

Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them. Acts 3:4–5 (MSG)

Do you sometimes expect too little from God? I’ve been guilty of that myself.

For example, when our kids were small, my wife Sally and I often drove separate vehicles to accomplish everyone’s schedules and save time. Well, years ago, she started praying for good parking spots. At first, I thought that wasn’t worth praying about, but without fail, I’d end up walking a block and she’d get a great location.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Leon, with all the issues going on in the world, do you really think God arranges parking?” And I would have to say, “Yes. I’ve watched it happen for years!”

It just goes to show what God can do with our expectations. Acts 3 shows this beautifully. As Peter and John passed by a crippled beggar, he asked for a handout. Peter commanded the beggar’s attention, and the man looked up, expecting to receive something.

I think this is a key to this man’s miracle. He anticipated receiving something—a few coins. Not in his wildest dreams did he expect that he’d spring to his feet, completely healed—and yet that’s what he got. Peter told him, “In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!” The power of God instantly flowed through the man’s crippled body, and he jumped up, “walking, leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:8, NLT).

Too often, we set our expectations low. Start believing God for the little things—but don’t stop there. You can set the bar higher and believe for big things too. God can do far more than you expect (Ephesians 3:20)!