In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, it's comforting to remember that God remains in control. He has a plan and is moving it forward despite what we see in the headlines. The true revival we seek isn't just an event—it's the church of Jesus Christ itself. We are the revival, bringing God's life everywhere we go.

In Acts 3, we witness the first miracle performed by followers of Jesus after Pentecost. Peter and John were simply going about their routine, heading to the temple for prayer at three in the afternoon. What seemed like an ordinary day became extraordinary.

This is a powerful reminder that defining moments often begin with what appears to be just another day. Each morning could be a day of Holy Spirit activity if we remain open to it. When we focus on people the way God's heart is focused on them, believing for God to move, remarkable things happen.

God wants to break through our routines—even our spiritual routines. When you're reading your Bible or praying, be ready for God to nudge your heart or speak specifically about what He wants you to do. He might put a person or nation on your heart, then move as you respond in obedience.

The apostle Paul referred to himself as a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ, indicating he had relinquished all his rights. His agenda was no longer his own but God's. This surrender is what allowed him to shake the world.

Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, shared the secret to his success: "Every morning, my wife Vonnet and I get down on our knees next to our bed and say, 'God, whatever is on our agenda today, shift it around to become your agenda, your schedule.'" This daily submission to God's will was the foundation of his impact.

Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Interestingly, God doesn't necessarily plan our course—we do that with the inclinations He gives us. But He establishes the smaller aspects of how we get there.

Our lives are defined not just by our convictions but by our steps. Convictions must translate into action. The move of God within our hearts must extend beyond Sunday morning gatherings.

Psalm 37:23 adds, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him." As we delight in God—focusing on Him, being sensitive to His presence, and maintaining a vibrant relationship with Him—He gives purpose to and establishes our steps.

Peter and John were heading to the temple at three in the afternoon—the exact hour Jesus died on the cross. It's significant that the first miracle of the early church occurred at this time of prayer and remembrance.

Prayer is about much more than listing our requests. While it's not wrong to express our needs, our trust should be that even when we forget to mention something, God is aware of it. We align ourselves with His resources and then move beyond our own needs because ultimately, it's all about others.

In Acts 3, we meet a man crippled from birth. We don't know his name, education, or family background, but we get a glimpse into his story. Every one of us has a story, and we should be purposeful "story catchers," listening attentively when others share theirs.

We all also have what could be called a "hurt trail"—places where we've hit hard against life's difficulties and found it challenging to get back up. These hurts that few know about can anchor us to bitterness if we let them.

But God uses people of faith around us to speak healing and remind us that He's not finished with us yet. He can heal the recesses of our hearts and set us free from everything that has held us down or caused us to let go of dreams.

The crippled man in Acts 3 had been carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. Interestingly, Acts 4:22 tells us he was over 40 years old, which means Jesus likely passed him many times without healing him. This wasn't due to a lack of compassion but was part of God's divine strategy.

All his life, this man was identified by what he lacked. Yet he was placed beneath a gate so beautiful it was named for its beauty—a stark contrast that symbolizes all humanity. People we see every day have emotional and spiritual issues; they're crippled in numerous ways and need God's healing touch.

When Peter and John saw the man, they "looked straight at him." Many church people had passed by before without changing his life. But Peter and John focused on him. As we sharpen our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, we begin to see people and circumstances through God's eyes.

The man gave Peter and John his attention, "expecting to get something from them." God moves in an atmosphere of expectation. Sometimes we walk in authority that comes from our prayer lives, even when we're not actively praying in the moment.

Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." There was no prayer, just authority that came from prayer.
It's important to recognize what you have. Why walk around with the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of God if we're not applying these resources in our lives and the lives of others? You cannot give what you do not possess, and what you do have should not go untapped.

The crippled man was healed and began "walking, jumping and praising God." He had dignity and livelihood for the first time since birth. This is where we are to bring people—to an encounter with God. We are to be carriers of God's love, healing, hope, and power.
This healing was the first evidence to the religious leaders responsible for Jesus' death that His presence, influence, and ministry did not die. Truth pressed to the earth will rise. Jesus could not be killed, and truth cannot be suppressed.

The world events we're witnessing today suggest we're due for a great movement of God. When things shake us in the news, the church can rise up and say, "This is the hour when we will see the revival of God in our hearts, our nation, and our world."

Ask yourself these questions this week:

• Am I living with an expectation that God will break through my routines?
• How sensitive am I to the Holy Spirit's nudges throughout my day?
• Do I see people through God's eyes, or do I pass by those in need?
• What spiritual resources do I possess that I'm not fully utilizing?
• How can I be a carrier of God's love, healing, and power to someone specific this week?

Make it your goal to submit your agenda to God each morning, asking Him to shift your plans to align with His purposes. Look for opportunities to focus on someone in need, just as Peter and John focused on the crippled man. Remember that you carry the power of the Holy Spirit—use what you have to bring healing and hope to others.