Acts 12:14-15

New King James Version

When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

For Encouragement

They were earnestly praying behind closed doors. Herod had arrested Peter and locked him up in jail, waiting to execute him after the Passover (Acts 12:1-4). Heaven responded, and God sent an angel to release the chief Apostle. He stood before the house of prayer, banging on the door.

Rhoda, filled with joy, ran to announce Peter’s release to the praying team. However, they found it hard to believe her.

“You’re beside yourself!” they said.

Why did the praying team find it so difficult to believe Rhoda’s report? Were they not expecting an answer to their prayers? So why were they so surprised by Peter’s release? Did they think the situation was so dire that God could do nothing about it, or their faith could not rise to the possibility of receiving a quick response to their prayers? Did they pray with faith at all?

You, too, have been ardently praying and pleading for God to move a mountain in your life. Have faith and continue to trust the faithfulness of God. No situation is beyond His power and goodness. He is a God of surprises and sovereignly rules over the affairs of this world. He cares for you, and your situation is part of His eternal plan, which will find its due time in Christ, your Lord.

So, may God surprise you with your Peter standing before your door today, this week, or whenever He chooses to respond to your prayer. Amen!

Shalom, and have a blessed week.