The following devotional thoughts are from Lynda Keefer, Prayer and Care Pastor at SWC.
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Peter’s miraculous release from prison is a reminder to me that God wants us to turn to Him and rely on Him instead of on our own strength or resources. At the beginning of the chapter, Peter is in chains, ready to stand trial for His faith, and what His friends are doing on his behalf is “praying earnestly” for Him. They are going to the One who has the power to change the situation in ways they can’t even imagine. And how surprised they are with the way God answers! Peter thinks it’s a dream and the other believers do too (vs. 9, 15). But God has a way of working that is often better than we even imagine and He wants us to come to Him and seek Him always.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
Today, I will examine how often I face problems and tackle issues without ever praying about them. I will ask Him to help me seek Him in all things and trust Him instead of my own abilities. When my friends or people that I meet are facing seemingly hopeless circumstances, I will remember that one of the most awesome things I can do for them is pray earnestly on their behalf. And I will look for the ways that He answers, even if it’s unexpected, and be thankful.
3 comments:
For most of my life, I tackled issues based on how I thought they should be handled. Boy, did that get me in a lot of trouble. I was fast to anger. Too often, I still do not seek God’s guidance. Or, I seek it after I mess things up. Generally, a lot of us (especially men) move forward in action, without first praying. We do not think and pray, before we speak unloving words. I have developed a stronger prayer life, but need to seek God’s guidance through prayer and Bible study, before making important (and not so important) decisions. I will stop and pray when I feel the anger building, rather than speaking unkind and unloving words I will regret. As Proverbs 3:5 states, I will “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Brad,
I couldn't have said it better. It's a tough and very long lesson to learn to seek God FIRST before we do our own thing and mess it up even more.
I agree as well with your comment about anger. This has been a long struggle for me that I am still battling at times. Thanks for your words.
I too will continue to strive to see Him first and Pray.. Pray.. Pray.
When I was younger I tried to handle a lot of things in my life also, until God brought to my attention that it was his program and I need to follow his lead.Just like in the Our Father prayer when it talks about his kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.Just like in verse 5 in Acts chapt 12 when constant prayer was offered to God for Peter, its so important for us individually and as a Church body to offer prayers for each other. There is so many things to pray about.
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