From Beggar to Testimony

 From Beggar to Testimony

By JK Woodall, Ph.D.

Scripture Reference: Acts 3:1-9 (NKJV)

The story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate shows how God transforms lives when faith meets His power. The man, lame from birth and carried daily to beg, never asked for healing. Resigned to his condition, he sought silver and gold, but Peter gave him something greater:

"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." (Acts 3:6, NKJV)

Two remarkable events occur: Peter sees with spiritual sight, recognizing the opportunity for transformation, and the lame man is healed, walking for the first time. Like Moses stretching his staff over the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16), Peter used what he had—faith in Jesus' name—and the impossible became possible.

This parallels the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10), where life returned to what seemed hopeless. Both accounts show God’s power to restore. The lame man leaped, praised God, and became a living testimony, drawing others to Christ.

"And all the people saw him walking and praising God." (Acts 3:9, NKJV)

This story challenges us to move beyond resignation. Like Peter, we can give what we have—the power of Jesus’ name—to transform lives and glorify God. Let us see past circumstances and declare faith over impossibilities.

"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26, NKJV)