Get A Big Picture View Of God's Goodness and Mercy

God’s goodness and mercy in your life will always be part of a larger picture.

When Jesus used Peter and John to heal the crippled beggar in Acts 3, it had several powerful effects.

The first of which, obviously, was a man received freedom from an incredibly painful, life-long ordeal. This is just another portrait of the compassionate nature of our God, to touch us and heal us where we hurt the most.

But secondly, this miracle had a residual effect for the kingdom of God. Others were touched by God’s kindness and mercy in this man’s life.

When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him (Acts 3:9).

We don’t know precisely how long this man had sat crippled outside the temple gate, but the word does tell us he was there every day. That means many people knew of this man’s condition and former way of life.

We may not have walked out of a wheelchair, or been healed of a life-long sickness or ordeal, but there is not one of us who hasn’t been greatly touched by him in some way. In itself, the fact he has saved us from our lost, sinful state is a miracle.

I know we are all immensely grateful for God’s love, mercy and goodness in our lives. Where would we be without it? But God wants that goodness to not only flow to us, but through us as well.

I don't know about you, but when people look at my life, I want them to clearly see his hand moving there. Just like in the case of this crippled man, I want them to say, “There is something different about him today.” I want his touch in my life to bring glory and praise to Jesus.

Isn't that what we all should aspire to?

After God performed this miracle, Peter announced to the onlookers:

Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus (Act 3: 12b-13).

The truth is, everything God does for us is part of a larger plan. God’s ultimate goal in everything is to exalt his son and touch others through us. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that God "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Cor. 1:4)

Did he heal you of a broken heart? Be on the lookout for the broken heart he wants you to help heal.

Did he bring you through a painful sickness or a season of doubt? Keep an eye open for the sick and doubting around you.

Did he save you, wipe away your sins and set your feet on solid ground? You are literally surrounded with people to reach out to.

This week, I encourage each of us to examine how God’s touch in our life should touch others.

That is my desire today, and I hope it is yours. Let’s concentrate on letting others know about his goodness and mercy in our lives, and always give the credit where credit is due.

That is the only way this Christian life will appear appealing to those who haven’t met him yet. And, spreading his goodness and love around is why we are here.