In that remarkable incident related in the third chapter of Acts of the healing of the lame man by Peter and John, at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, Peter's words are deeply significant: "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee." One is impressed at once by the fact that Peter knew the value of the spiritual understanding which he had gained. Also, that he never for a moment doubted his ability to apply his understanding in healing this man, and to impart to him something of the truth which he himself had apprehended. He did not fall into the mistake of belittling his own knowledge of spiritual things. On the contrary, he evidently approached the man who was in need with absolute confidence and assurance as to the outcome. The result proved that his attitude of thought was correct. Nor was this healing merely release from physical bondage, for we read that the man entered into the temple immediately with Peter and John, praising God for his deliverance.
It is interesting to note that this is the first recorded healing performed by Peter. Undoubtedly, when Christ Jesus sent the twelve disciples out to preach the gospel and to heal the sick Peter had his part in this redemptive work. The healing of the lame man, however, which occurred immediately after the day of Pentecost, seems to have been the beginning of his individual ministry as far as we can judge from records. Nor had he then the inspiration and support of daily contact with the Master. The time had come when Peter had to prove for himself that the truth which he had apprehended was equal to any demand made upon it, and this he did at the very first opportunity.
Well may we ask ourselves today, How often do we approach a case of need with the same confidence and assurance of success with which Peter drew near to this man who had been crippled from birth? If we search our own thought carefully and prayerfully, may we not become aware of some lurking doubt, inhibition, or reservation? Not doubt, perhaps, of the power of Christian Science to heal, but doubt of our own ability to apply successfully what we know. Doubt of any kind is hampering and deadening—a fact which Christ Jesus recognized when he said to the disciples, "If ye have faith, and doubt not,...if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." Had Peter doubted his ability to heal this man, the healing would probably not have been instantaneous, for his own uncertainty would have had to be eliminated before the healing could have been accomplished.
