October 5, 2019

October 5

Running with Jesus  

Acts 12:12-15 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.  And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.”

     I know there is sleep still in your eyes but wake up and get that coffee or coke and go to your war room (for those who have seen “War Room” you will get that, if you haven’t seen it you must!”)  That is exactly where the church was on this night and had been warring all night.  Their leader, Brother Peter, was about to be killed.  I pray that is where my people would be.

     A knock at the door and I am sure that this damsel, Rhoda, couldn’t believe what she was hearing, Peter’s voice.  Prayer was answered quickly!

     Are we not the same way, our emotions are running wild and we are so desperate.  I know some times I am in some kind of shape, you know what I mean. However, we get that knock on our spiritual door to find God had the answer even before we ask, the Bible tells us. Then we get so blown away we walk away and don’t even open the door. 

     She ran away and Peter is going to have to knock again.  He is outside fresh out of prison standing and you know they will be looking for him to recapture him. She left him outside and went to tell the others. When she told the others Peter was at the door, they told her she was mad.

     I remember when I began to see God work in prayer, He had to tap me on the shoulder and say that was me. Did they really expect Peter to be released?  I don’t think they thought there was much hope.  Remember God was teaching them the power of prayer.  He wants to teach us about the power of prayer.  We should pray together and expect God to answer our prayers.  Do you really expect Him to answer?               

Father, as we study, teach us to pray and teach us to expect You to answer our prayers and when they come help us receive them eagerly.  We pray and trust You to answer and help us not to get discouraged and remember heaven has to have a war to answer our prayers.  SO DON’T STOP PRAYING!!!

Tomorrow: They are astonished seeing Peter.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015