Text: Acts 3:1-10
Memory Verse: “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” (Acts 3:7).
Are you surprised to learn that God, in His wisdom, created both the rich and the poor? Proverbs 22:2 reminds us, “The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all.” This means that the presence of those in need around us is not a coincidence, but part of God’s divine arrangement. The lame man in Acts 3 was born with a disability, lived in poverty, and needed help. He looked to those passing by, hoping someone would have mercy, “So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them” (Acts 3:4&5).
Thankfully, he was not disappointed. When Peter and John encountered him, they did not just offer words, they acted. Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. His healing began with a helping hand. In the same way, our responsibility goes beyond prayers and good intentions. We are called to lift others physically, emotionally or financially from their places of need.
Proverbs 14:31 says, “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.” Helping the less privileged is an act of worship. Maybe God is prompting you to pay a child’s school fees, assist a widow with rent or support someone through a difficult season.
Do not ignore the nudge. God wants to use you. Be the hand that lifts someone out of despair. That simple act of obedience could change a life.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, open my eyes to the needs of the people around me.
2. Lord, I will not reproach You by oppressing the poor.