Acts 12:16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

I have always enjoyed the story of Peter’s release from prison for various reasons, not least of which is imagining the looks on these people’s faces! However, there’s a lot to be learned from the story besides simply enjoying it. These believers had a lot in common with earnest believers today. They did the right thing, gathering to pray about a situation in which they were helpless apart from God. I am reminded of situations in several countries today where people are not free to follow Christ openly. I don’t know the content of their prayers, but the record is clear that God answered them miraculously. However, this is where it gets amusing, and where there is a further lesson for us today. As earnestly as they had been praying, and as much faith as I am sure they had, they were astonished at how God answered. His answer was both more direct and more immediate than I’m sure any of them had anticipated. They had probably been praying for a change of heart in Herod! I am reminded of stories of people smuggling Bibles, when customs agents have opened bags full of Bibles, not seen them, (I wonder what they did see?) and sent the smugglers on their way. We tend to limit how we think God can or will meet our needs, sometimes to the point of not recognizing His provision when it comes. I sometimes wonder how much we miss out on for precisely that reason. I have seen people pray earnestly for a spouse, for example, without recognizing that God’s candidate was right there in their own group. There is certainly nothing wrong with being specific in prayer, but we must not let that degenerate into tunnel vision.

I am occasionally reminded of the time that God told me not to be amazed at what amazed others, but to expect great things of Him. I think I still miss recognizing some of what God does in response to prayer, but I hope I’m improving! I am to be bold in my praying, but always give God full permission to act as He knows best. Most of the time I have so little grasp of the situation that I can’t begin to imagine the ramifications of each possible outcome. When I have been given full assurance of what God’s will is in a specific situation, I am to pray and declare that with all boldness. However, I am not to be presumptive when I haven’t been given such revelation. I need have no hesitation in praying that God’s plans be fulfilled and every other plan be thwarted, even when I don’t know what those plans are.

Father, You are continuing to teach, grow, and guide us in prayer. Thank You. Thank You for the good prayer meeting last night, and for the growing numbers. I do need Your wisdom to know how to maximize participation, particularly with the two languages involved. May we be fully useful to You in bringing Your kingdom, Your will to this city and region, through prayer, witness, and general obedience to You, for a massive harvest of souls, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!