This weekend we helped the children recognize and give thanks for God’s miraculous goodness.

Did you do or get what you were expecting today? Or did something unexpected happen? All of us have expectations. Sometimes our expectations are not met and we are disappointed. Sometimes our expectations are met and we are satisfied. And at other times, our expectations are exceeded and we are delighted, overwhelmed.

This weekend the Bible lesson was about a lame man whose expectation was exceeded. The lame man, who was totally at the mercy of others, had to be carried into the Temple. He also depended on others for alms. So upon the arrival of Peter and John, the lame man did nothing out of the ordinary. He simply asked them for money in hopes that they would meet his expectation: “And [the lame man] fixed his attention on them (Peter and John), expecting to receive something from them” (Acts 3:5). But the lame man’s expectation was exceeded by a long shot. The lame man was healed, which was far better than silver or gold. The man’s response was a dance of praise.

Your children may want to know exactly how Jesus and the early disciples were able to heal people. Do not feel that you must have an answer for all questions. Our purpose in teaching the miracle stories is not to explain how the miracle happened, but to help the children focus on why the miracle happened. The miracle of Jesus and his disciples occurred to show people the healing power of God. Even in our scientific world, there is still room for the mystery of God’s healing power.

Another important aspect of the lesson is that Peter and John simply gave what they had. The lame man asked for money, and Peter responded, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk” (Acts 3:6). In the ancient world, one’s name carried the power and authority of the person. To heal in the name of Jesus was to acknowledge that the healing power came from Jesus and, ultimately, from God.

As you interact with your children this week, you are also offering what you have. The children may not be physically ill, as the lame man, but even though they have lived only a few short years, they have expectations. How can you meet and exceed your children’s expectations? By doing what Peter and John did. Peter and John gave what they had, and so can you. What did these apostles have? They had a connection to God. As you pray for God’s guidance as a parent, God will provide the wisdom and direction you need. Just stay connected to God, and God has a way when you least expect it to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all you can ask or think.

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1