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Such as I Have - The Power of giving what you carry

Giving Beyond the Natural
Often, when people come to us in need, our first instinct is to offer from our material resources. If we have money, food, or connections, we give—sometimes sacrificially, other times out of abundance. While this is good and necessary, we must not overlook the greatest resource we possess: the power of God at work within us.

Peter and John encountered a man at the temple gate who had been lame from birth. His expectation was clear—he sought financial assistance. But Peter’s response reveals a truth that many of us forget: what we have in Christ far exceeds material provision. "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee..." Peter understood that what he carried was beyond money; it was divine authority approved by the Holy Spirit.

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ
Jesus declared, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). This power was not for Him alone but was transferred to those who believe in Him (Luke 10:19, John 14:12). Peter didn’t hesitate to use what had been entrusted to him. He didn’t apologize for his lack of money because he knew he had something far more valuable: the power to change the man’s life permanently.

Many times, we focus so much on our physical limitations that we forget the unlimited resources we have in Christ. We may feel inadequate when faced with the needs of those around us because we measure our ability by earthly means. But what if we, like Peter, recognized that the greatest gift we can offer is the manifestation of God’s power—whether through prayer, encouragement, healing, or imparting wisdom from His Word?

The Authority We Carry
The name of Jesus is not just a religious phrase; it is a seal of divine power. When Peter invoked the name of Jesus, he was acting on the authority Christ had given him. The same authority is available to every believer. We are not meant to be passive Christians who admire the power of God from a distance—we are called to demonstrate it.

The question, then, is: Do we recognize what we carry? When faced with a need—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—do we respond from a place of faith in God's power, or do we shrink back, feeling insufficient?

Living in the Reality of "Such as I Have"
To walk in this reality, we must:
1. Acknowledge what we have in Christ – The power of the Holy Spirit is within us (Romans 8:11).
2. Grow in faith through the Word and prayer – Faith is built by hearing and acting on God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
3. Be bold in using the authority of Jesus’ name – Like Peter, we must step out in confidence (Mark 16:17-18).
4. Stay in alignment with the Holy Spirit – Power flows through a surrendered and obedient vessel (Acts 1:8).

Final Thought
What we have in Christ is more than enough. While material resources are useful, they are temporary. But when we operate in the authority of Jesus, we offer something eternal—transformation, healing, and the touch of God. Let us, like Peter, not hesitate to declare, "Such as I have, give I thee." Because what we have is the limitless power of God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the immeasurable riches we have in Christ. Help me to recognize and walk in the authority You have given me. May I not be limited by what I do not have but be bold in offering what I do—the power of Your name, the truth of Your Word, and the love of Your Spirit. Teach me to trust in You and to minister from the abundance of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions
1. Have I been limiting my ability to help others to only material resources?
2. In what ways can I be more intentional in using the power and authority I have in Christ?
3. What areas of my life require me to step out in faith, like Peter did, and trust in God's power?

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