What I Have

This is the final post of the Fulfillment in Jesus series. I do hope this series has encouraged you in some way. Just in case you haven't read the first ones, here they are: The Empty Places, Desire and Delight, A Secret.

When you hear people talk about being content and satisfied and fulfilled in Jesus, do you ever wonder how that's possible when there is so much lack in the world? When there are children starving and daddies abandoning their families and no one saying they love you?

There is a lot of lack in the world. And it is easy to focus on and become overwhelmed by this lack.

But there is always Jesus. In the previous posts, we have learned that satisfaction in Jesus can be a reality in our lives, and we have learned how to live in this reality. And when we do live in this reality, beautiful things happen...

“One day Peter and John [Peter and John were two of the twelve disciples who followed Jesus; this event takes place shortly after Jesus has ascended into heaven] were going up to the temple at the time of prayer - at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, 'Look at us!' So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.' Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”   Acts 3:1-8

Peter and John chose to live satisfied in Jesus. They could have focused on the fact that they didn't have money or the “security” financial prosperity brings; the not having to worry about making ends meet, the not having to live paycheck to paycheck. They could have been overwhelmed by the fact that this man couldn't walk and had to beg for money in order to live. 

But they chose to focus on what they did have: Jesus. 

Being content, satisfied and fulfilled in Jesus is choosing to live in Him, trusting He will provide. We focus on Jesus, and let Him fill us, and from that we can impact and help those around us. 

Peter didn't say, “I don't have silver or gold, so sorry buddy, you're just out of luck.” He was living in the reality that Jesus had risen from the dead, that the same Spirit who raised Christ was now in Peter. He didn't have silver or gold to give, but what he did give was much, much better. In fact, it was the best.

Peter gave out of his relationship with Jesus, and something beautiful did happen. This man, who had been a cripple from birth, who was begging, the lowest of people, got up and walked! Think about how this would change his life! He had just experienced the power of God!

What do you have that you could give? Can you babysit for the couple who needs a night out? Can you bring a meal to the person who is sick? Can you give a word of advice, a shoulder to cry on, a listening hear, a helping hand?

Mother Teresa once said, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” 

Don't become so overwhelmed by the lack, but what you can't do, that you end up doing nothing. As Jesus reveals needs of others to you, do what you can. Help that one person Jesus brings across your path... and then the next person... and then the next... and before you know it, you'll end up feeding a hundred people.

As you give out of your relationship with Jesus, you may not see a crippled person get up and walk, but you will see people experiencing the power, love, peace, wisdom, hope, joy (I could go on) of God. And perhaps through that, they will fall more in love with Jesus.

Because of the amazing miracle that took place when the no-longer-crippled-man began to walk and praise God, Peter and John had the opportunity to speak to the onlooking people about Jesus. The religious leaders, who denied Jesus as God's Son, did not like this. They had Peter and John brought before them for some questioning. After the questioning was over, here is what happened:

“When they [the religious leaders] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus... They commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, 'Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.' After further threats they let them go."   Acts 4:13, 18-21

I am thankful the writer of Acts included telling us that Peter and John were “unschooled” and “ordinary”, because so often, I can feel this way myself; lacking in skills, ability, personality, beauty. 

But once again, the focus in this passage is not on the lack. The real focus is on what Peter and John did have: Jesus.

The religious leaders saw Peter and John's courage, and “they took note that these men had been with Jesus” Even when standing before these religious leaders, their fate unknown, Peter and John gave out of what they did have. They spoke truth in the face of threats and refused to stop letting Jesus overflow from them. And because of this, it was noticed that they had been with Jesus.

People will take note of how we who follow Jesus live. When they see your life, is there evidence you have been with Jesus? Are you giving out of your fulfillment found in Him?

As this series comes to a close, I encourage you to be with Jesus. Be in His word, spend time with Him in prayer, live in the reality of your relationship with Him and be a part of making beautiful things happen.

The post What I Have first appeared on The Overflowing.
​All Scriptures taken from the NIV, copyright 2011