From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

June 18

Surprise!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 135:8-14 | 1 Kings 19:1-21 | Acts 12:1-23 |  Proverbs 17:14-15

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Acts 12

“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. (Acts 12:14b-16 NLT)

James had already been killed.  Now Peter was in prison and a similar fate was expected.  The church called a special prayer meeting. They gathered and prayed at Mary’s house (mother of John Mark): “the church prayed very earnestly for him” (5).

Despite their earnest praying, they all stood completely amazed when Peter showed up at the door—Alive! Let’s be honest, we too are sometimes amazed when God answers our prayers.

Often we pray more out of desperation than in expectation. We pray more because we feel overwhelmed than because we are overflowing with hope.

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Still, whatever deficiency there may have been regarding their expectation, God did answer their prayer.

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God answers prayer.  Pray fervently and expectantly. And don’t be too surprised when the answer you are seeking comes knocking at the door.

[Excerpts from “Surprise” today’s devotional from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson]