We can find excuses for almost anything, but there is nothing more important than to know and experience God's love. There is nothing in your way – nothing to stop you. Open yourself to God's love. Accept and be blessed by it. Now is the right time.
Peter said to the people, "Why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?" (3:12). Peter tells the people gathered there that he does not have the power to heal the man by himself; the power came from Jesus. This applies to all of us. Just as a windmill needs wind to give it energy and power, we need the love of God to fill us with joy and energy and power so we can do important, good work. God is the source of our power.
Jesus wanted the people to think about the miracles they had seen him perform and then decide who he was. This was his way of telling the people that he didn't need to be labeled because they had seen the work he had done and the miracles he performed and that could only come from God. We continue to see God's work today in the miracles of nature and in people whose lives are changed by God's love.
In the Bible we read that "the universe has been framed (created) by the word of God" (11:3) and what we see has been made from things we cannot see. We observe and experience the wonders of our world, but many things remain a mystery. Mysteries are not bad. They cause us to think and question and try to figure out how things happen. We try to understand what happened or what those things mean.
The Bible tells us that these early Christians met "with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart" (2:46). Gathering together in church, and also at home sharing meals with others, is often a happy time. We learn how to give thanks and praise God. We learn how to have generous hearts, sharing our love and happiness with others.
You could be the person who makes a difference in someone's life. Be eager to share your talents with others. Everyday think about something you could do or say that would encourage a friend, family member, or someone you meet when you are out and about in the world. Don't hesitate to tell someone the good things you like about them. A compliment (kind words) shows respect toward another person. Sometimes something you say will stay with a person their entire life to encourage them over and over again. Wouldn't you like to be the person who gives that kind of encouragement?
Just like when you are lost, you must stop and think about where you made a wrong turn and what you need to do to find your way again. You must think about the directions your parents have given you about how to lead a good life. The Bible tells us that when you repent (feel sorry for what you have done) you will be forgiven. That always makes you feel better.
Peter says, "Hear these words! (2:22). He tells the disciples that Jesus was sent by God and God gave Jesus "mighty works and wonders and signs" (2:22). The miracles that Jesus performed are like hallmarks to let us know his love is authentic––the real thing. Peter reminds the other disciples, "This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses" (2:32).
Work hard, do your best, but remember that we are human and we make mistakes. Be gentle with yourself when you fail. God is there to forgive and encourage.
God is very, very powerful—like the wind. God brought to the disciples his own power to do the right thing—even the hardest things; God gave them courage. God gave them himself to be their helper!