Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them (Acts 3:4,5).
In Acts 3, we read about a man, crippled from birth, who was healed by Peter and John. Daily, his family brought him to the temple gate called Beautiful, to beg. He saw Peter and John and asked them for money without paying much attention. So they stopped, looked straight at him, and asked him to look at them. We too are like this man. We pray daily out of routine and we ask for things from Jesus without paying attention to him. Peter did not give what he asked for but gave something else in the name of Jesus Christ. He took him by the right hand, helped him up. The crippled man’s ankles and feet became strong and he started to walk. He followed them to the temple courts walking, jumping and praising God.
God’s answer of no, yes, or wait to our prayers has more than we ask. His right hand helps us stand up and stand strong. His answer has the power to draw us to the temple court, to His presence. This crippled man did not get what he asked for, but in what he received he had what he asked. He received physical healing (walking and jumping), spiritual healing (inside the temple praising God) and the ability to work (financial blessing). Receive the no’s, yes’s and wait’s with thanksgiving and praise. His answer always has more than what we ask for. This crippled man looked at Peter and John and received wholeness.
What is preventing us from looking at Jesus? When I see a homeless person at the street corner or a veteran in front of a grocery store I try not to look. I feel if I make eye contact I have to give them something.
Do we avoid looking at Jesus because we don’t want to give him our praise and worship but only want our needs met? Do we stop paying attention to Jesus because our begging became a routine? Are we unable to see Jesus because we are looking at our crippleness?
On the way to the cross Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter (Luke 22:61). This was more than just an eye contact; this look was a reminder of the Lord’s word, repentance and restoration. May you be completely restored as you look upon Him.
Previous blog from this passage: Crippled Beggar’s Thanksgiving
MamaTawk 
I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do greater thing. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for – But everything I had hoped for….Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.
( icfsandiego.org)