Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms (Acts 3:1-3).

I imagine Peter and John were very busy men. They had a lot of responsibility placed upon them. In fact, Jesus said he was going to use Peter (and the other disciples) to build his church (Matt 16:18). Kind of a big deal. 

So there they were, heading to the temple for the afternoon prayer with scores of other people. But on this day, they see this man begging for help and they stop. I wonder how many other times they may have passed this man heading to the temple? Or how many other beggars were lining the path of temple-goers? What was different? Why was today the day for this man’s blessing?

In the previous chapter, we read that the Holy Spirit came and filled those who received Jesus as their Savior. As the people were filled with the Spirit, they began to care for one another and to meet one another’s needs. 

Even though Peter and John were busy with a lot on their shoulders, they listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and stopped to bless this beggar in Jesus’ name. They demonstrate for us an example of “supernatural” living. The good news is that just like Peter and John, we, too, are filled with the Spirit. We have the potential to live this kind of Spirit-led life.

However, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and the many demands on our time, attention, and resources. I have to continually remind myself to take time to slow down and listen for promptings from the Holy Spirit. I ask Him how He may want to use me in a situation. Sometimes it is as simple as a kind word or warm smile for a stranger. Other times it could be paying for the meal for the person behind me in line. Still other times He may prompt me to stop and pray for someone.

God places us in unique places and spaces to be an expression of love in His name. The Holy Spirit equips us to “live supernaturally” and when we “follow His lead” it can be a wonderful adventure! 

This week, what are one or two specific ways you could tune into the Holy Spirit’s promptings and respond when He equips you to “live supernaturally?”