Does the next event not describe a very familiar situation?
Act 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Yes, we are often busy with the Lord’s work when we are interrupted by ‘unplanned’ events.
Act 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;
Now, surely, don’t we often walk or look the other way as if we have not seen what is going to happen next…and there it happened. He asked for alms.
Act 3:3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
Now, this is where the story gets really interesting and totally unexpecting. Where does this behaviour come from?
Act 3:4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”
Act 3:5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
Act 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Act 3:7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Act 3:8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.
If you read further – V10, you’ll see the people were amazed and in V12, Peter asked them why do you marvel at this? So, he turned it into a ministry opportunity and in V16 gave glory to God.
Act 3:16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Now I believe the difference between us and Peter and John is just the ability to hear from God in the moment, to obey instantly, to trust God immediately.
You see, in Eph 6:10-11 Paul teaches us: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Then he continues to explain the weapons but again I don’t think we should attempt to use any of the weapons BEFORE we understand the attack (or what the devil is trying to achieve).
Please read Eph 6:11-18 for a full list of weapons.
In summary, I’m saying that we should spend enough time with God that we’ll be able to hear Him in a split second so that we have the correct action or weapon handy to achieve the maximum result to bring glory to His name and shout total defeat to the devil for yet another failed plan.