Finding Hope in Discouraging Circumstances: Lessons from the Lame Man in Acts 4

“After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.”

Acts 4:21-22

Dear Friends,

When Life Feels Slow to Change

Have you ever questioned your circumstances? Most of us have. Sometimes we lose patience over small inconveniences, but other times major obstacles confront us. When time drags on with no improvement, it’s easy to grow discouraged and wonder if life will ever change – or if the answers we long for will ever come.

A Man Who Waited Over Forty Years

As I’ve been reading about the lame man in Acts 4, I couldn’t help but notice how his story reflects finding hope in discouraging circumstances. Not only was he born lame, but one short phrase at the end of the account stands out: “the man was over forty years old.” That’s four decades of struggle.

Maybe when he was younger, a spark of hope flickered in his heart. Perhaps his parents tried every medical option available, praying desperately for a miracle. But as the boy grew into a man, his legs still didn’t work. No longer a child who could be easily carried, he now depended on strong friends to bring him to the temple gate each day to beg for the basic resources he needed.

When Resignation Replaces Hope

As the years passed, it’s natural that resignation set in. Day after day, he likely went through the motions, doing what he could to survive. Expectations faded. Hope dimmed. Life settled into a painful rhythm of disappointment.

Finding Hope in Discouraging Circumstances

But then – one ordinary morning – everything shifted. He settled into his usual spot at the Beautiful Gate, expecting nothing new. But at the hour of prayer, Peter and John approached and offered him something money could never buy: a new pair of legs.

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, his life was transformed. Defeat turned to dancing. Resignation turned to rejoicing. He walked, jumped, and passionately praised God, fully able now to work, worship, and participate in life.

A Miracle Too Obvious to Ignore

His long wait produced unexpected fruit. When people saw him leaping, they were stunned. The man who had become a fixture of brokenness at the temple gate was now bursting with life and joy. Word spread quickly. The whole city buzzed with the news.

Everyone praised God, and this widespread celebration made it nearly impossible for the frustrated religious leaders to punish the apostles or silence their message. The evidence was undeniable: a man lame for forty years had been miraculously healed. Despite attempts to contain the truth, the gospel continued to spread.

Could God Use Your Waiting Too?

The lame man’s long journey raises an important question: Could there be a purpose behind our struggles, despite our seemingly endless wait for resolution? I believe the answer is yes. God has a plan for your life – just as He had a plan for that man born lame. And one day, the results of your waiting will bring you joy and bring Him glory. There is hope in discouraging circumstances. 

Keep Waiting with Hope

So, weary and discouraged friend – are you waiting for your circumstances to change?
Do you need a job?
Is a loved one wandering in unbelief?
Are your finances stretched thin?
Is your health failing?
Are you stuck in a monotonous routine that feels purposeless?

Don’t resign yourself to sorrow. Don’t give up hope. Wait expectantly for the Lord, because help is coming.

We serve a powerful, loving God who knows exactly what He is doing. He sees your circumstances and is working for your good and His glory. And one of these days, when you least expect it, He will step in. Your outlook will change, and like the healed man, you will overflow with joy at all He has done.

Love,

Mama

If this encouraged you today, share it with someone who may need hope – and invite them to trust God in their waiting too.