ICYMI: Your Hands Aren’t Empty

ICYMI – Your Hands Aren’t Empty

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring the book of Acts — focusing on the

outpouring of the Holy Spirit to all believers.

In Case You Missed It: Your hands aren't empty | David Molver | 08 June 2025

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Today is Pentecost Sunday, a day we celebrate the Holy Spirit being poured out!

Last week, Pete and Dom beautifully shared on being better together — having a

seat at the table and living in communion as the Ecclesia.

This week, we turn to Acts 3 to discover what happens when we live in unity with the

Spirit.

I’ve Been Asked…

People often ask why God doesn’t seem to move today like He did in the Bible.

My answer: Don’t we see miracles?

Let me share one I witnessed.

My Story

In 2005/06, I went on a mission trip to Mozambique — excited to travel, be with

friends, and share God’s word.

During one evening service, a paraplegic woman arrived, having dragged herself

over a kilometer just to hear the gospel.

We gathered around her and prayed earnestly for healing. We cried out for her to

rise and walk — but she didn’t.

At the time, I was devastated. But looking back, I realized I hadn’t been asking God

what He wanted — I was telling Him what I wanted. I was trying to be in control, not

in communion.

Scripture Reading

Acts 3:1–26 tells the story of Peter and John healing a lame beggar outside the

temple gate called Beautiful.

This was a man who had been lame from birth and sat outside the temple every day.

Peter looks at him and says,

'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus

Christ of Nazareth, walk.'

The man jumps up, walks, leaps, and praises God — and everyone around is

amazed.

The Spirit Moved

This was the first recorded miracle after Pentecost — the Spirit now working

through the followers of Jesus.

Peter and John were living in deep communion with the Spirit. They weren’t

distracted or chasing their own ambitions. Their hands were open — ready to be

used.

When Peter spoke to the beggar, he gave him dignity and faith, not silver or gold.

Peter then turns to the amazed crowd and reminds them: this wasn’t their power —

this was Jesus.

The Spirit Is Still Moving

Peter, who once denied Jesus, now speaks boldly and calls the crowd to repentance.

He uses his own testimony — his failure and redemption — to point people to

Christ.

So, who do we identify with in this story?

The Crowd

Religious. Routine. But perhaps distracted, too preoccupied to reach out in love.

The Lame Beggar

Dependent. Humble. Expectant. Ready to receive.

Peter

Restored. Redeemed. Living in communion with the Spirit — and ready to be used.

Back to My Mozambique Story

I cried out for a miracle. But I wasn’t listening. I was trying to control the outcome

instead of asking God what He was doing.

It took years to realize: it wasn’t that my hands were empty — it’s that they were

preoccupied.

Your Hands Aren’t Empty — They’re Just Pre-Occupied

Peter’s hands weren’t full — they were open.

Are your hands open this morning?

Where do you find yourself?

Are you…

• In the crowd — comfortable but spiritually distant?

• The beggar — in need but ready to receive?

• Or Peter — broken but restored, and now walking with the Spirit?

The Spirit Is Still Moving

The Holy Spirit is here today.

God desires to live in communion with you.

Wherever you find yourself in the story, remember this:

Your hands aren’t empty.

They might just be preoccupied.

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 Discussion Questions for Life Groups:

·  Which character in the Acts 3 story do you most relate to right now — the

crowd, the lame beggar, or Peter? Why?

· Are there areas in your life where your hands might be preoccupied, rather

than open to what God wants to do through you?

·  How does Peter’s transformation — from denying Jesus to boldly proclaiming

His name — inspire you in your own spiritual journey?

· When was the last time you truly paused to ask God what He is doing, rather

than telling Him what you want?