"Misplaced Hope - Part 2"

"And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Acts 3:5,6 

Yesterday we talked about putting our hope (expectation) in people to meet our needs. I want to talk about that again today. There are several reasons why we should not expect people to be our source of provision. 

 

First, man doesn't always have what we need. "Silver and gold have I none". And second, if he does have it, what he has to give will only bring a temporary solution. The need is only met for the moment. 

 

Had Peter and John given the lame man the money he needed; they would not have solved his problem. He would have still been lame. He would have still had to depend on others. He would have been at the gate again the next day and the next day and the next day. He would have continued to be a beggar. All man's ability can do is give you a temporary "fix"-- if he can even do that much.

 

But when we look to God as our source, we can expect our needs to be met perfectly. God is not limited by what He has. There is no lack or shortage in His resources. If by chance He does not have it, He can simply create it. God's provision is not a temporary one. He doesn't meet a portion of the need only, He supplies all the need. When God meets and supplies the need, He does it well. In the beggar's case He healed his body, He restored his soul, He gave him his freedom and independence, and He gave him back his life. 

 

Expecting man to give you what you need will leave you still lacking and disappointed. Placing your expectation in God will never leave you lacking or disappoint. 

 

Have a great day. When we place our trust in God, we can expect our need to be met perfectly.

 

For further reading:

Philippians 4:19

Acts 3:1-13