Life Journal February 5, 2008
Today's readings: Exodus 39, 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

Answered Prayers

Scripture

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John's brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish leaders, he arrested Peter during the Passover celebration and imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod's intention was to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, chained between two soldiers, with others standing guard at the prison gate. Suddenly there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel tapped him on the side to awaken him and said, "Quick! Get up!" And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." And he did. "Now put on your coat and follow me," the angel ordered.

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was really happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate to the street, and this opened to them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

Peter finally realized what had happened. "It's really true!" he said to himself. "The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jews were hoping to do to me!"

After a little thought, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, "Peter is standing at the door!"

"You're out of your mind," they said. When she insisted, they decided, "It must be his angel."

Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally went out and opened the door, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them what had happened and how the Lord had led him out of jail.

Acts 12.1-17

Observation

God answers prayer.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The church is praying "earnestly" for Peter. God answers . . . . . and everyone is surprised.

How often do I miss God's answers to my prayers, because I really don't expect Him to answer them--or at least not answer them the way I want.

God is faithful. When we pray, we are told that we are to believe. . . . otherwise, why bother?!?!?!

Yet we do pray, hoping that God might hear, . . . . hoping that God might answer.

Today's reading reminds me that God does answer prayer. How often do I miss his answers? I need to keep my eyes and heart open so I don't miss a thing!

Prayer

Father, forgive me for not always believing and trusting that You will answer my prayers. I pray because I know I should. I pray hoping that You will answer--knowing that You do answer--yet not sure You will. Forgive my unbelief. Open my eyes and my heart to see the answers. Help me to not miss a one. I know that You do answer prayers--help me to believe that You will answer all of them!