Don't let Life and Challenges make a LAME man out of you

Devotional

Day 1: Fix Your Eyes on God, Not Your Problems

When life feels overwhelming and you find yourself spiritually “lame,” it’s easy to focus on your pain, your failures, or the things that haven’t gone your way. But the first step to healing and victory is to lift your eyes from your circumstances and fix them on God, the true source of help and hope. Just as Peter told the lame man at the temple gate to “look on us,” God calls you to stop looking down in defeat and instead look up in faith, expecting Him to move in your life. When you shift your focus from your problems to the One who can solve them, you open the door for God’s power to work in you. [54:35]

Acts 3:2-8 (ESV)
"And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, 'Look at us.' And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, 'I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!' And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you’ve been focusing more on the problem than on God’s power? How can you intentionally “look up” to Him today and invite His help into that situation?

Day 2: Expect and Act on Change by Faith

Many people become stuck because they never expect things to change, resigning themselves to a life of spiritual, emotional, or even financial lameness. But God calls you to expect change and to act on His Word in faith. Like the lame man, you must be willing to take action when God offers you an opportunity—don’t just wait for things to happen, but step out, believe, and obey. True transformation comes when you respond to God’s call, rise up, and walk in the newness He provides, refusing to let your past or your pain define your future. [01:03:45]

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Reflection:
Is there a step of faith or obedience you’ve been hesitating to take because you doubt real change is possible? What is one action you can take today to move forward in faith, trusting God for transformation?

Day 3: Let Go of the Past and Celebrate Your Future

It’s easy to bemoan the past—old wounds, failures, or missed opportunities—but God calls you to let go of what’s behind and celebrate what He is preparing for your future. The lame man didn’t go back for his blanket or his cup; he left the past behind and entered the temple, embracing a new life. God wants you to stop carrying old burdens and instead look forward with hope, celebrating the growth, purpose, and blessings He has in store for you as you walk with Him. [01:19:07]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection:
What is one thing from your past that you need to leave behind in order to fully embrace the future God has for you? How can you celebrate and thank God for the new things He is doing in your life?

Day 4: Use Your Healing and Gifts for God’s Glory

When God brings healing, restoration, or blessing into your life, it’s not just for your own benefit—it’s so you can use your renewed strength and gifts to glorify Him and serve others. The healed man didn’t use his new legs to run back to his old life; he entered the temple, praising God and joining the community of faith. Likewise, God calls you to use what He’s given you—your testimony, your abilities, your resources—to honor Him and bless others, not to return to old habits or selfish pursuits. [01:17:20]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection:
How can you use the healing, growth, or blessings God has given you to serve others or glorify Him this week? Is there a specific way you can step out and share your testimony or help someone in need?

Day 5: Draw Near to God and Walk in His Presence

The greatest miracle is not just being healed or delivered, but entering into a closer relationship with God—moving from the outside in, from distance to intimacy. God invites you to draw near, to come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise, and to walk daily with Him. Don’t settle for staying at the gate; go all in, surrendering every part of your life to Him and experiencing the fullness of His love, joy, and purpose. [01:21:49]

James 4:8 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can draw closer to God today—whether through prayer, worship, or obedience? How will you make space to enter into His presence and experience His nearness?

Sermon Summary

In life, we all face seasons where we feel spiritually “lame”—stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward. The story of the lame man at the temple gate in Acts 3 reminds us that our condition is not our conclusion. Like that man, we may find ourselves carried by others, just getting by, and expecting little more than survival. But God calls us to more than just sitting at the gate; He calls us to rise up, walk, and enter fully into His presence.

It’s easy to let setbacks, disappointments, or even our own failures convince us that we’re permanently sidelined. Sometimes, we even start to believe the labels the enemy puts on us: broken, useless, or forgotten. But God never calls us lame—He calls us His children, and He invites us to look up from our problems and fix our eyes on Him. The first step to change is shifting our focus from our pain to God’s power. When Peter told the lame man to look at him, he was redirecting his attention from his limitations to the possibility of a miracle.

Faith is not just about believing for change; it’s about acting on God’s word. The lame man had to respond when Peter reached out his hand. He could have stayed on the ground, but instead, he chose to rise up. In the same way, we must be willing to take action—letting go of the past, forgiving where needed, and stepping into the opportunities God places before us. Sometimes, that means going back to the place where we were hurt or made a wrong turn, making things right, and then moving forward.

Once God brings healing or breakthrough, it’s not enough to simply enjoy the blessing. We’re called to enter into deeper fellowship with Him, to use our renewed strength for His glory, and to leave behind the things that once defined us. Don’t settle for living on the outside of God’s promises. Go all in—celebrate your future, not your past. Let your life be marked by praise, gratitude, and a willingness to serve others. God is not finished with you. Rise up, walk, and step into the fullness of what He has for you.

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Key Takeaways

1. Your Condition Is Not Your Conclusion No matter how long you’ve felt stuck or spiritually “lame,” God’s invitation is always to rise up and walk. The enemy may try to label you as broken or unusable, but God calls you His child and offers you a new beginning. Don’t let your current struggle define your future—God’s power is greater than your pain. [46:51]
2. Shift Your Focus from Problems to God’s Power Breakthrough begins when you stop looking down at your circumstances and start looking up to God. Like Peter told the lame man, “Look on us”—sometimes the first step is simply to lift your eyes and expect something more from God. You cannot walk in victory if your eyes are always on your pain; let God redirect your vision to His possibilities. [54:35]
3. Faith Requires Action, Not Just Intention It’s not enough to believe that change is possible; you must act on God’s word. The lame man had to respond to Peter’s hand and make the decision to get up. In your own life, this may mean letting go of excuses, forgiving others, or stepping out in obedience even when it’s uncomfortable. Missed opportunities often come from inaction—choose to rise up when God calls. [66:05]
4. Leave the Past Behind and Embrace the New True healing means not returning to the things that once held you back. The man at the gate didn’t go back for his blanket or his cup—he left them behind and entered the temple. Likewise, don’t keep souvenirs from your old life or mindset; let go of what crippled you and move forward into God’s presence and purpose. [78:41]
5. Celebrate Your Future and Use Your Gifts for God’s Glory God’s blessings are not just for your comfort but for His glory. Once you’ve been restored, use your renewed strength to serve, witness, and build up others. Don’t bemoan your past or stay on the outside—go all in, celebrate what God is doing, and let your life be a testimony of His grace and power. [79:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:20] - The Challenge: No More Excuses
[41:52] - Praying for the Sick and Troubled
[42:22] - The Lame Man at the Gate
[43:43] - What Can a Lame Man Do?
[44:22] - From Mountaintop to Valley: The Struggle of Faith
[46:27] - When Life Falls Apart
[47:49] - Trials for the Believer
[49:09] - The Battle to Just Show Up
[51:17] - Moving Beyond Spiritual Infancy
[54:35] - The Power of Looking Up
[57:01] - Expecting Change, Not Just Coins
[61:00] - Peter Offers More Than Money
[63:17] - Taking Action: Rise Up and Walk
[71:33] - Go Back and Make Things Right
[73:05] - Entering the Temple: Going All In
[76:02] - Living Changed: Outward and Inward
[79:25] - Celebrate Your Future, Not Your Past
[81:30] - God’s Call: Rise Up and Walk
[89:23] - Trusting God and Celebrating What’s Ahead
[94:35] - Reflecting on God’s Work in You
[96:06] - Upcoming Events and Serving Others
[98:00] - Q&A: Hearing God’s Voice
[100:01] - Final Thoughts and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV) — Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 3, what was the lame man expecting to receive from Peter and John, and what did he actually receive instead?
In the sermon, what did the pastor say was the first thing Peter told the lame man to do, and why was that important? [[54:35]]
What did the lame man do after he was healed—did he return to his old spot or do something different? [[13:05]]
The sermon mentions that the man left behind his blanket and cup. Why is this detail significant? [[18:41]]

Interpretation Questions

The pastor said, “Your condition is not your conclusion.” What does this mean in the context of the lame man’s story and for us today? [[46:51]]
Why do you think Peter asked the man to look at him before healing him? What does this teach us about where we focus our attention during hard times? [[54:35]]
The sermon emphasized that faith requires action, not just intention. How did the lame man show faith, and what does that look like for us? [[01:06]]
After being healed, the man entered the temple and praised God. What does this say about how we should respond when God brings change or healing in our lives? [[13:05]]

Application Questions

The sermon talked about feeling “spiritually lame” or stuck. Is there an area in your life right now where you feel stuck or sidelined? What label have you been believing about yourself that God does not call you? [[46:51]]
The first step to change was shifting focus from the problem to God’s power. What is one practical way you can “look up” instead of “looking down” at your circumstances this week? [[54:35]]
The lame man had to act on Peter’s word and get up. Is there something God is asking you to do that you’ve been hesitant to act on? What’s holding you back? [[01:06]]
The man left his blanket and cup behind—he didn’t keep souvenirs from his old life. Are there things, habits, or mindsets from your past that you need to leave behind to move forward with God? [[18:41]]
After his healing, the man went into the temple and praised God. How can you use your story or your gifts to serve God and others now, instead of just enjoying the blessing for yourself? [[19:25]]
The sermon challenged us to “celebrate your future, not your past.” What is one way you can intentionally celebrate what God is doing or wants to do in your life this week? [[19:25]]
The pastor mentioned going back to the place where you were hurt or made a wrong turn and making things right. Is there a relationship or situation you need to revisit to make things right so you can move forward? [[11:33]]

Sermon Clips

``You can't walk in victory if your eyes are always on your pain. Can we share that again? You cannot walk in victory if your eyes are always focused on your pain. You have to learn to look up. This is what the lame man can do. Stop looking at the pain. [01:02:16] (19 seconds) #EyesOnVictory

You have to step out on faith. You can't just walk around saying, I'm changed. I'm changed and never live a changed life. You can't say, I'm changed and never act a changed life. But if you still hate somebody in the church, if you still got a qualms to get somebody in the church, if you still want to have cliques in the church, you have not changed. Come on now. I'm saved. I'm saved. But you still gossip. You still backbite. You still going around doing things you're not supposed to be doing. And then you want to say, I'm changed. [01:04:07] (29 seconds) #LiveChanged

If you want something different, do something different. See, Peter didn't offer money. He offered a ministry. He offered him Jesus. And many times, people, when they're feeling helpless, they're not receiving Jesus. You need more of him. And so when you're feeling helpless, when you're feeling lame, you're feeling overwhelmed, you need to change your focus. [01:06:39] (26 seconds) #FocusOnJesus

When God delivers you, there ought to be some joy in your life. When God heals you, you ought to be some praising going on. When God does something in your life, there ought to be a time in your life where you reflect upon Thank you, Jesus. Only you could get me off that addiction. Only you could change my mindset. Only you. Only you could get me, God, to stop looking down and being looking up. Thank you, Jesus. [01:14:15] (25 seconds) #ThankYouJesus

Stop bemoaning the past and start going forward in the future, glorifying what God is getting ready to do in your life. See, the Word of God says, he walked into the temple with them. He didn't go back for his blanket. He didn't go back for anything that was on the ground. I don't see anywhere in the Word of God we went back for the cup, for the alms. He left all that there. Got up walked into the temple with them. Hold on, Peter. Let me go get my blanket. Hold on, Peter. Let me go get my alms cup in case I got to go back again and do some more begging. That's not what he did. Let it go. God's by the Holy Ghost is telling you tonight, let it go. And let's move forward. Celebrate your future. Stop bemoaning your past. [01:18:24] (54 seconds) #LetItGoMoveForward

Do you feel lame tonight? Unable to change, trapped in circumstances, wounded by your past, paralyzed by fear or failure? Jesus is saying, rise up and walk. Brother, the word of God says, draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto you. [01:21:24] (20 seconds) #RiseAndWalk

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