God's Timing...Not a Big Fan!

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. " Acts 12:5

God's timing has always been a mystery to me. I know it's perfect - He's never early, never late. Nevertheless, it is still difficult at times to have the patience necessary to allow His ways to be accomplished. It is interesting to note here that the scripture says, "Peter was kept in prison." I don't know about you but I often want God to just take the problems I'm facing away as soon as I encounter them. I want to be rescued - how about you? "Rush in Lord...save me from all this" I say. "I'll make sure to give you all the praise when you do!"

However, I am learning that sometimes it is necessary to remain in the trial for a time in order for God to accomplish a greater miracle than merely rescuing me...kind of like he did with Lazarus. It was His will to raise Lazarus from the dead as opposed to coming earlier to heal him. Why? Jesus wanted his followers to know that He is the resurrection and the life. He is Lord...even over death! Often times God is far more interested in doing something in me that requires a time of waiting on Him.

The church was earnestly praying to God for him..it says in Acts 12. Was the ultimate miracle of Peter's release to encourage the church as to the effectiveness of their prayers or to affirm God's faithfulness to Peter...perhaps both.

"They that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they will soar on wings as like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Teach us Lord to trust You with everything...yes, even Your timing.

Perfect Peace

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

Aren't we all searching for "peace?"...real peace of mind that is true and strong. Well, real peace comes from God. It's not based on whether or not everything is perfect. His peace is lasting and deep. It covers over our troubles, our trials and even the unknown. How? Because nothing is unknown to God! Therefore, because He knows everything and has only good plans for us. When we make up our minds to trust in Him - whatever we're facing - His "Perfect Peace" covers us. Real peace is born and sustained, then, by Him and in Him....trusting Him, meditating on His promises continually - during times of blessings and times of trials. Help us Lord, to keep our minds on You...to be steadfast, unshakable, immovable...You are our ROCK, all other ground is sinking sand.

Remember Me

Then He said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth...today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:42, 43

This man's words are profound to me because they reflect the heart of every sinner confronted with their sin and the righteousness of God. When we realize how good God is and the depth of His love for us, what else can we hope for...but to receive His mercy and to be "remembered" in Heaven. The beauty part here is that Jesus responded to him with the same assurance every believer holds on to - one day we will too will be remembered and we will be with Jesus in Paradise.