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. Their disappointment at the death of James, perhaps also weighed in—when we feel confused and overwhelmed by that which we do not understand it is sometimes hard to hold on to hope.

Still, whatever deficiency there may have been regarding their expectation, God did answer their prayer. An angel of the Lord awakened Peter. His chains fell off and he was led to safety.  Peter went to tell the others.

He knocked on the door and the servant girl answered. She was so amazed and overjoyed that she left Peter at the door knocking while she told the news to the others. Despite their fervent praying, they couldn’t believe their ears.  

Finally they had to see for themselves. Opening the door, they were completely amazed to find Peter without a scratch.

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

Lord, help us to pray with expectation. May we never lose hope or give up. And when the answer comes knocking on our door, fill our hearts with gratitude and praise. Amen.