April 13

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. — Acts 5:15 BSB

Peter’s shadow reminds us of the power of our influence, even when we aren’t aware of it.

It wasn’t Peter’s shadow that healed people, but their faith that God could use even that to heal them. We all carry around an “invisible shadow” of influence that impacts others. If our lives are good and true, our influence will be good. If our lives aren’t good, our influence can be harmful.

There’s a legend of a man who asked God for the power to do great good without knowing it. God granted him the gift that his shadow would have healing power when it fell behind him where he couldn’t see it, but it would have no effect when it was in front of him where he could see it.

If we want our influence to bring healing and blessing, we need to stay humble, be devoted to Christ, and live full of the Spirit.