Key scripture – “While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.” (Acts 3:11 NIV)

As we join Peter and John, they had just met a beggar at the gate called Beautiful and we witness a miracle: a man crippled from birth is healed. After taking Peter’s hand, he is lifted to a place of wholeness, resulting in the ability to walk, jump and praise God!

“One day Peter and John 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. 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 3:1-10 NIV).

Just after this amazing miracle is a verse that can easily be overlooked: “While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade” (Acts 3:11).

These words “held on to” in the Greek mean to take hold of, grasp, or hold fast. If the beggar was healed in Acts 3:7 and now could walk, why was he holding on to Peter and John?

The beggar had been healed. The evidence of that healing was demonstrated very quickly as the entire crowd witnessed him walk and jump. Yet shortly after this miracle, this man needed someone to lean on.

I love this story in Acts because it points to a powerful truth: In order to move toward healing and wholeness in our lives, we need the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to set us free, and we will often need someone to hold on to, and that’s OK.

Nothing in this passage indicates that the beggar’s healing was incomplete because he needed to lean on someone. In fact, later in Acts, Peter reiterates that the man who was crippled was healed. Yet in his healing, he still needed a little help.

Sometimes in the Christian life, we’ll find ourselves in the position of the beggar, needing a Peter or John to support us so we stay on this journey toward becoming more like Jesus. Other times, we’ll be Peter and John, the shoulder others need in order to find the strength to keep going.

Look around you. Who needs you today to be the shoulder of Jesus? Who needs a little support and help as they move forward on this road called life?

“For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10, ESV)

Let’s stand near and be that encouragement today. And if that someone who needs a little help is you, don’t be too hard on yourself. The beggar had just experienced a wonderful miracle in his life, and he still needed to hold on to someone.

As you encounter people today remember that sometimes we’re Jesus’ hands and feet, but other times we are His shoulders for others to lean on. “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.” (Isaiah 35:3, ESV)

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, You promised us in Your Word that in this life we will have trouble. That trouble comes in many different forms; family, health problems, financial, and work. Thank You that in our troubles You are always with us, and thank You for friends and family to help us as well. Father, thank You for the brothers and sisters in Christ that You have blessed me with who have held me up like Peter and John did. When we hold each other up we are like a strong cord that cannot be broken. “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Open my heart, my mind, and my eyes so that I see who You have put in my life that I need to hold up and support like Peter and John supported this beggar after He was healed. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.