He’s still the same Lord
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. Acts 9:32
When I was young, I remember hearing someone say that healing and miracles had passed away with the apostles. That the twelve that walked with Jesus in this world were the only ones that did signs and wonders after Jesus ascended into heaven. Because I had not read all the Bible, I believe what I heard. As I got older, I had faith for things in life, but because I believed there were no miracles anymore, I never prayed for something beyond what I could imagine happening. When someone I knew became sick or contracted a deadly disease, all I knew to do was to believe that it was “God’s will” and pray that souls would be saved through their life. Certainly it is good for souls to be saved, but God doesn’t want people to suffer. Especially His own children.
I will never forget the first time I heard about someone being healed, even supernaturally from a terminal diagnosis. My entire belief system shifted. Maybe God still does do miracles? At that point, I began to believe that God can do miracles, but you cannot know for sure if He will. It was totally up to Him if He wanted to or if an individual was worthy of miracle. The only problem with that theory is that God’s Word says that it is not by good works that we receive anything, only by the grace of God through faith.
In today’s reading, we find the truth of our miracle working God. Peter said to a man that had been paralyzed “Jesus the Christ heals you.” It was not Peter, John, Paul or any of the apostles that did miracles. It was always by the name of Jesus that great works were accomplished. They also never assessed if a person was worthy of receiving, they only proclaimed the name and believed in His power to accomplish each miracle.
Of course, this is not the only place where a miracle was done in the name of Jesus. The New Testament is full of miracles that the new testament church saints witnessed and performed. We read just a few days ago about Ananias laying hands on Paul to restore his vision. Back in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was poured into the upper room and fell on everyone that was there, not just the apostles. As you read through the scriptures, you will begin to notice that it is not about who the person is that the signs and miracles flowed through, it was all about the power of God and the name of Jesus.
That power is still the same today and that name is as powerful today, but it is only released into our circumstances and lives through our faith. We must believe that He is the same and that His power will work for all who call on that name. Think about it. Salvation in Jesus is available to all who will receive it, but the choice is up to each individual. There is no miracle greater than the supernatural work that is done in a life when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This is the same way we receive anything from God, through our faith, we believe, and we receive.
Today I want to encourage you to allow yourself to believe in miracles. Take a look at your life and remember the great things God has done to save you in the past. Then believe He can do whatever it is that you need today. Take your stand on His Word, His promises and with the name of Jesus declare your faith and trust in Him to do, yet again, one of His great works and wonders.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:32-43
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.
34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.
37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
The Daily Dose 