The Beautiful Gate

Lessons from the Beautiful Gate

“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

Peter and John – Acts 3

Yesterday morning in prayer with friends, Brian Fields prayed a prayer for my beloved father-in-law, who has lung cancer. It touched me deeply. My “Dad” Russel Hogue is 83, has had a long healthy life, knows and loves God, so he is ready to meet him. He’s only asked that we pray for God’s peace.

And for the most part that’s how the brothers have been praying for him. On this day Brian prayed an impassioned prayer for his healing that I know touched the heart of God, if it didn’t originate there.

I would characterize Brian as strong, faithful, not that emotional. He started his brief prayer asking for peace in the situation, but then mentioned the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate in Peter’s day. He was only expecting a few coins when Peter and John noticed him. But what he received was a supernatural healing! Such is our God. And that is what Brian prayed for passionately, until he could speak no more.

“Let the LORD do what seems best to Him.”

Thank you Brian. And thank you Father. -=db=-