Acts 9:32-43

The Holy Spirit was present, and had been at work among all the post-Pentecost believers in Lydda & Joppa, so it was not necessary for the Lord to send Peter to them.  Nevertheless, Peter did have a history with Jesus, and it was not without reason that the Spirit put Peter in those places at that strategic time.  The miraculous healing of Aeneas and resurrection of Tabitha that God accomplished through Peter served to draw people to Jesus himself, not just his followers or his ideas.  Since Peter was an apostle who was noted for having been with Jesus, the people associated the miracles with Jesus. 

Such miraculous signs are less frequent now, but they are always possible because the Holy Spirit decides who exercises his gifts.  We do not make the choice as to whether miracles happen or not.  But we can represent Jesus among a people who need him and are seeking him.  Those were the conditions for Peter to perform miracles in Jesus’ name.

LORD, send us to those seeking you, and empower us to represent you among them!