God can make a way for us, when no way out seems humanly possible. God is in the business of orchestrating supernatural events to do so. God listens to our prayers and the prayers of others made on our behalf. God often answers our prayers in ways that we didn’t even think to ask for.
In the years immediately following the death and resurrection of Jesus, his disciples are out spreading the word and making new disciples. They are following the last command Jesus gave before ascending back into heaven. Herod Agrippa is now King. He has just killed James (John’s brother) and enjoyed it so much, that he has decided to arrest and kill Peter as well.
Peter is caught and imprisoned. He awaits his “trial” the next day, and is spending his last evening fastened with chains between two soldiers. In addition, there are other guards at the prison gate.
Can you put yourself in Peter’s shoes? No doubt he is tired. No doubt he is discouraged. There likely remains little hope within him that God will rescue him this time.
“Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the LORD stood before Peter.” (Acts 12:7) God shows up on the scene. God was not early. God was not late. God did not bring an army. God sent only one angel – but one angel was all that was needed! “The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.” (v.7b)
Peter left the cell, through the guards, the whole while following the angel and his instructions, all the time thinking that he was seeing a vision. “They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself…” (v.10) You can see why Peter is unsure this is real, can’t you?
As suddenly as the angel appeared, the angel left him.
“Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The LORD has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” (Acts 12:11)
Peter then heads to the home of Mary where many were gathered for prayer. Who were they praying for? For Peter! In fact, they were so involved in their prayers for him and for God to do something, that they missed Peter standing outside knocking repeatedly to come in!
Friend, can you find yourself in Peter’s story? Where has life taken you where you feel stuck? Where only an impossible act would bring relief or an out? Maybe you and I have never spent time awaiting our death in prison chained to two guards… but most likely we have spent sometime unsure how to go on – wondering if God would hear us – let alone see us – in our need. There seems to be no way out. No possible solution to… a dying marriage, incurable cancer, financial crisis, broken relationships….
Don’t stop praying. There is power in prayer. In fact, there is power found in the prayers of others on our behalf, too. There certainly was for Peter. Do not limit God. Don’t give up. Do not throw in the towel. Even in the midst of our crisis – even when there is no fathomable way to see a change or a way through this – there is. God’s expertise is moving in the supernatural. He loves to move in ways that are beyond our thought and ability. It is an opportunity for us to really see and experience His hand, and to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was not just a coincidence or something that shifted that we deserve credit for. The Bible is full of times like this:
*An army behind his people, and a sea before them – the Israelites appear to be trapped. But our supernatural God parts the sea!
*A pit of hungry lions awaiting those who will not bow down before a statue. A man resolved to bow to no other than God is cast into the pit to be eaten alive. But our supernatural God closes the mouths of the lions!
*A storm on the sea, and a boat that is shipwrecked. But our supernatural God saves every life!
*A people condemned by sin and unable to live free from it. But our supernatural God sends a savior!
God is the same God. He is not a God of the Old Testament. He is not a God of the New Testament. He is not silent. He has not ceased to exist. Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I change not.”
Pray. Wait. And pray some more. God is at work preparing things that we cannot even imagine!
Blessings!
Great writing.