The Power fo Noticing: How Small Acts of Compassion Can Change Lives

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become so focused on our own schedules and priorities that we overlook the opportunities God places right in front of us. But what if we took a moment to pause, to notice those around us, and to allow our plans to be interrupted by divine appointments?

The book of Acts provides a powerful example of this through the story of Peter and John encountering a lame beggar at the temple gate. This seemingly simple interaction reveals profound truths about how we can live as ambassadors of God's kingdom in our everyday lives.

As Peter and John were on their way to pray, they came across a man who had been lame from birth. This man, placed daily at the temple gate, had likely been passed by countless times before. But on this day, something was different. Peter and John noticed him.
Their response teaches us several important lessons:

Peter and John were on their way to pray, but they didn't view this encounter as an interruption. Instead, they saw it as an opportunity. How often do we rush past people in need because we're too focused on our own agendas? When we identify as ambassadors of God's kingdom, we begin to see these moments not as interruptions, but as opportunities.

In our daily lives, we're surrounded by people experiencing brokenness in various forms. It might be the coworker who drives us crazy, the neighbor everyone dislikes, or the stranger asking for money. We've often tuned out this brokenness as a coping mechanism. But what if we asked God to help us see people the way He sees them?

Peter's interaction with the lame man is striking. He says, "Look at us," forcing eye contact and acknowledging the man's humanity. This simple act communicates value and dignity. How often do we avoid eye contact or rush past those who make us uncomfortable? Jesus consistently modeled compassion for the broken. We're called to do the same.

Peter and John didn't have silver or gold to give the man. But they had something far more valuable – the name of Jesus. We often feel helpless in the face of others' needs, thinking we don't have enough resources or answers. But the truth is, we have the most powerful message in the world at our disposal. We may not be able to solve every problem, but we can always speak Jesus into a situation.

Peter's bold declaration, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk," required tremendous faith. He took the man by the hand, helping him up, fully expecting a miracle. Do we really trust Jesus to work powerfully in the lives of those around us? Or has our unbelief limited what we think God can do?

The result of this encounter was extraordinary. The man, known by all as a lifelong beggar, began "walking and leaping and praising God." His physical healing was a powerful picture of the spiritual transformation Jesus offers to all.
This story challenges us to live with greater intentionality and awareness of the Holy Spirit's leading. Here are some practical questions to consider:

• Are you leaving margin in your life to be used by God? What needs to change?
• Who are you overlooking that you need to see?
• Do you treat people in brokenness with compassion? Or do you need to ask God for more compassion?
• Do you believe you have nothing to offer when you can't meet a tangible need? Remember, you always have Jesus to offer.
• Are you truly trusting Jesus to make a difference in the lives of those around you?

Living this way requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate. The early church saw incredible miracles and growth because ordinary people were willing to be obedient to God's leading.
Imagine what could happen if more of us lived this way – constantly looking for opportunities to speak the name of Jesus into brokenness. What if 80% or 90% of believers, rather than just a small percentage, were actively engaged in sharing their faith and ministering to those around them?

The book of Acts shows us what can happen when people are filled with the Holy Spirit and follow His leading. We have that same Spirit dwelling within us. We have been given the name that is above every name – Jesus. We have the power to be witnesses, to proclaim that there is salvation in Christ alone.

Let's pray for God to do a work in us:

• That we would be filled with the Spirit in such a way that we practice obedience to His leading.
• That we would build margin into our lives to notice and respond to divine appointments.
• That we would see people the way God sees them.
• That we would speak with boldness, trusting God to work in incredible ways.
• That we would fully embrace our identity as ambassadors of God's kingdom, on mission each and every day.

As we do this, we can expect to see lives transformed. People raised from spiritual death to life. The broken restored. The captives set free. And through it all, God will receive the glory.

May we be a people who are constantly aware of the incredible gift we've been given in Christ. May we never lose the wonder of the gospel or the urgency of sharing it. And may we live each day with eyes wide open, ready to be used by God in the lives of those He places in our path.