Coffee Truths
Sometimes we carry people close to hope — but stop short of taking them to the One who can truly heal.
In Acts 3, Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame from birth. Every day, others carried him to the temple gate so he could beg for coins. He sat close enough to see worshippers go by, but still outside the presence of God. Close — but not inside. Near — but not transformed.
Peter and John didn’t stop at good intentions. They didn’t just drop coins or offer kind words. Instead, Peter looked him in the eye and said:
“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” — Acts 3:6 (NKJV)
And something extraordinary happened.
✝️ Not Just Walking — Leaping
The man didn’t just stumble to his feet. He leaped up. He went into the temple walking, leaping, and praising God (Acts 3:8).
That’s the difference when you carry someone all the way to Jesus. Surface kindness might get them through another day, but Christ gives them reason to leap. What Peter and John offered wasn’t temporary relief — it was transformation.
🌱 Don’t Stop Short
There are people in your life sitting “just outside the gate.” They’re wounded, weary, and waiting. Maybe they’ve heard about God but haven’t stepped into His presence. Maybe they’ve been handed coins of encouragement but never introduced to the Christ who heals.
Don’t stop short.
- Don’t just say, “I’ll pray for you” — stop and pray with them.
- Don’t just offer advice — point them to the Word of God.
- Don’t just help them survive — help them meet the Savior who gives life.
Even if they don’t respond. Even if they never walk through. You’ve been faithful if you’ve carried them to the Healer.
🔥 A Question for You
The healed man’s response was unmistakable. His joy overflowed. He couldn’t contain it. He had to leap and praise.
So let me ask: Are you leaping for joy for Jesus?
You may not leap with your legs, but joy should leap out of your life. People should see the difference Christ has made in you.
🙏 Prayer
Lord, help me not to stop short. Give me courage to carry others past the gate and point them to You. And may my own life overflow with joy — the kind that leaps, the kind that praises, the kind that makes others hungry for the Healer. Amen.
📝 Journal Prompt
- Who in your life is “sitting at the gate” right now — close to hope but not yet inside?
- How can you carry them closer to Jesus this week?
