As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. (Acts 5:15-16)

You have most likely read this passage before…more than once.  You may have even heard a number of sermons based on it.

Chances are that the focus was on how the anointing on Peter was so strong that he did not even have to lay hands on anybody to heal them or deliver them from demons.

As a matter of fact, this phenomenon has often been cited as a fulfillment of Jesus’ words in John 14:12: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

And it certainly is. After all, the gospels do not record a similar incident.

People touched the hem of Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:27-29, 6:56) and were healed. Some were healed when He simply released the healing word (Matthew 8:13, 15:28).

Of course, many were healed when He touched them or spoke words over them.

But, there is no healing miracle or deliverance that happened when Jesus simply passed by those who were sick or demon-possessed.

It is truly an amazing phenomenon, not to mention an accurate fulfillment of Jesus’ promise.

You know what is equally amazing?

The expectancy of those who came from the villages around Jerusalem, believing that all they had to do was to be on the sidelines and wait for Peter’s shadow to fall on them.  At that very moment they would be healed and/or delivered.

Would you agree?

Let’s look at another scenario.

We are told that when Jesus ministered in his home town of Nazareth that “He did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:58)

They did not expect Him to do anything miraculous…and it was so, according to their faith (or lack thereof).

This is in stark contrast to what happened in Jerusalem with Peter, isn’t it?

They came expecting the miraculous…and they got it!

So, let me ask you this today: What is your expectancy level?

Yes, you believe that God can do it. Yes, you’ve seen God do it for others.

But if it hasn’t happened for you, yet…could it be related to your expectancy level?

Would you take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit if this is the case?

If the answer is No, praise God! Your mission is to help others raise their level of expectancy.

If He says Yes, would you please take a moment to visualize all those people who lined the streets of Jerusalem waiting for Peter’s shadow to fall on them?

Ramp up your expectancy level to theirs.

When the Holy Spirit overshadows you, get ready to witness the miraculous!