Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. –Acts 12:16
Peter had been imprisoned by Herod, and the church was in constant prayer (Acts 12:5). The night prior to his execution date, Peter was chained between two guards, yet, Peter was asleep. It was as though Peter was at peace with his situation, and he knew that God was in control. An angel appeared and the chains fell off his hands. The gates of the prison were open, and the angel led him into the city.
Peter went to the house of Mary where a group of Christians were praying for his release. When Rhoda answered the door, she was so excited that she shut the door without letting him into the house. She proclaimed the good news to the group, but they did not believe her. Actually, they did not believe that their prayer had been answered. Finally, Peter knocked again, and they let him into the house.
We see three things here. First, Peter had the perfect peace of God upon him while he was in a hopeless situation.
Second, Peter’s release was miraculous. God can change things around no matter how impossible they seem. Nothing is too hard for God.
Finally, there are the lessons we can learn about prayer. God hears the prayers of His people. However, we must have faith that He will answer these prayers. After this day, the faith of these prayer warriors was greatly increased. God always has an answer for us. Always pray and never doubt God’s power to answer prayers.
Copyright 2013 Carolyn Dale Newell.
This came right on time! I have been struggling and at a dark place with my health. I really wanted to give up, but then I just surrendered to God (like a million times in the past) and worshiped and a scripture came to mind in Romans 4:17 it talks about Abraham how he believed no matter what the situation. The last line of that scripture got me: we call those things that are NOT as though they were. Also Corinthians 1:28 last line: and things which are NOT to bring to nought and the things that are. God can do anything! His word says so! My part is to believe and have faith. That’s what moves God’s hart, Faith ! Praying my father will keep me at perfect peace. As I keep my mind fixed on him.
Praying that same peace and faith for both of us. It’s so hard when you are sick or in pain, but God understands our weaknesses. We pray. We believe, and we know God will doo above and beyond what we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20).