From the archives of Oral Roberts
Through the years I’ve had people tell me, “I don’t believe in miracles.” And my reply has always been, “You will when you need one.” I believe the secret of life is not only believing in miracles, but expecting to receive them.
Acts 3 tells the story of a lame man who was expecting to receive. A man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg… When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. That’s a powerful statement.
Then Peter, knowing that the man was expecting to receive what he could give him, said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (vv.1–6 NIV).
Peter was saying, “A miracle is coming toward you. It’s here! Now seize it with your faith.” The lame man’s expectancy caused his faith to rise, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk (vv. 7–8 NIV). He entered the temple walking, jumping, and praising God. The miracle changed his life forever. He had found the secret of life!
God is a God of action, and unless we throw up some type of resistance, He’s continually moving toward us with His miracles. The secret of life is to expect God’s miracles and rise up in faith and receive them!