Peter and John were headed into the temple for the prayer hour one afternoon. There must have been a lot of traffic; a lame guy used the busy time to beg. Begging was his full time job; he was over 40 years old and had been lame since birth. In fact, when he called out for alms it was to no one in particular; just to whoever might listen.

Well, he caught Peter’s ear. Maybe Peter had passed him scores of times in the past as he walked by. But today was different and Peter and John stopped. Peter said; “Look at us.” (Acts 3:4) Fine, the guy probably thought; “So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.” (Verse 5)

Peter gave him – not money, but something better. He said; “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Verse 6) Immediately the man was healed and he proceeded to walk and leap through the temple praising God.

When Peter said “what I do have I give you”, what was he talking about? What was it Peter had? Do you think it was the healing power of God? No. What he did have, however, produced the healing power of God. What Peter had was authority. He was so sure of his authority to operate in the name of Jesus there was no hesitation as he successfully lifted the lame man to his feet.

It is proper authority that can say, “Be healed.” If you want to see miracles, pray to understand your authority as a disciple of Jesus Christ. You can’t go wrong if you get hold of what Peter had.