July 21, 2021 - Acts 12:1-19

God’s works and ways are beyond our understanding! I remember as a young believer being accepted into the Moody Bible Institute to study for the ministry. Moving to Chicago was a major step of faith and finding an apartment that we could afford was another hurdle that looked overwhelming. I searched for over a week to find something, the Dean of the school stated that perhaps I should go home and wait until the following year to attend. When things looked the darkest is when the Lord answered and we found a place to live.

Peter was back in the crosshairs of persecution as Herod now arrested and placed him in prison. James had been executed and the Jews were so pleased that Herod was intent to make an example of Peter also. The night before Peter was to be brought before Herod while chained between two soldiers, the Lord worked in a miraculous way.

An angel of the Lord suddenly awakened Peter and commanded Peter to follow him. The angel led Peter past the guards, through an opened gate and out into the city where he departed from Peter. The deliverance was so sudden and unreal that Peter had difficulty believing that it had truly transpired. Not only was he was in disbelief but also the church that was praying for a miracle was unprepared for the Lord’s actions. When Peter arrived to proclaim the Lord’s miracle, they at first refused to open the door but continued to pray!

Steps of faith and answers to prayer are memorable times for the believer as we act in accordance to the Lord’s prompting and we see the fruition of faith. I had stated to the Dean of the school that if I left Chicago, I probably would not return and so many details of our lives would have been altered. God opened the door to a house that allowed us to stay there as caretakers for a year and become accustomed to Chicago lifestyle. Like Peter, I often reflect upon how the Lord directs our steps, sometimes without our realizing it, and how His direction affects the remainder of our life.

Peter was protected and directed by the Lord as he had much work to accomplish for the Lord and His body. The Lord also directs and protects our daily lives so that His plan might be accomplished. Be attentive and notice God’s intervention and care for you today!