But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, they were astonished (Acts 12:16)
Text: ACTS 12:12-19
The miraculous is always available for those who love and serve God wholeheartedly. In life challenges will come before a child of God spiritually and physically in the family, workplace, neighbourhood and anywhere humans exist. Persecutions may takes very serious dimensions like incarceration, threat to life and properties, deprivations and restrictions. However, none of these should move a child of God. Faith in God and complete rest upon His unfailing promises are all we need to weather all storms.
Peter was incarcerated and kept for execution as it happened to James the brother of John. But Peter’s miraculous deliverance from the maximum security prison was midwifed by the unrelenting, fervent prayer of the believers in a house-church where Rhoda and other Christians were interceding.
By divine guidance, Peter’s feet were directed to the very centre where he was being prayed for. This served to boost the faith of those believers who were praying.
We should cultivate the habit of interceding for fellow believers who are persecuted because “...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (and woman) avails much”. No matter who is behind the persecution of a believer, intercessory prayers to the King of kings will liberate him.
When we pray, we should believe that God hears and answers abundantly above what we think or ask. God chooses how and when to answer. Giving of testimonies also, as Peter did, helps to strengthen and encourage intercessors.
The answer to a believer's prayer is closer than he expects.
Source: dailymanna.dclmhq.org