"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.
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My favorite part of the story in Acts 12 is the fact that when God did answer their prayers and released Peter from prison, the answer to prayer was literally knocking on their door, and they didn't believe it! How many times has God answered our prayers and we don't even realize it? Love ya PB, Kj
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