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NOBODY WAS EXPECTING PETER (ACTS 12:1-17)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Nobody was expecting Peter” Not expecting something to happen means you have doubts about the likelihood of the thing happening, hence when it happens it becomes a miraculous event. We shall reflect on the facts God can cause the unexpected to happen so long as it is His will.

Beloved in the Lord, God can cause the unexpected to happen if it is His will. We are told King Herold who was an enemy of the Christians, “had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.” (Acts 12:2-3). It is clear that God allowed James’ death to happen, however, when it came to Peter, He sent His Angel to save him, “They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.” (Acts 12:10). Dear friend in the Lord, nothing is impossible for the Lord, He can take our lives today and give us another chance to live until an appointed time. If you are alive and reading this reflection know that you are a product of grace. The unexpected has happened to you today, you are still alive! You could have died yesterday or fallen ill today. You could have become a victim of an accident that happened yesterday. Perhaps you could have suffered heart failure yet God favoured you by counting you among the living today. Being alive today is so also an unexpected miracle. Praise be to the name of the Lord!

Again, whether our prayers are answered or not, it is our responsibility to pray without ceasing. We are greatly admonished by Paul to Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). There is no doubt in our minds that the same church that prayed for Peter also prayed for James yet James was killed, however, that did not stop them from praying for Peter when he was still in prison. Prayer is our humble supplication or request made to God even as we trust in His divine will and power to meet us at the point of our needs. We are greatly encouraged to endure hardship even as we pray in faith for a miracle to happen.

When God makes us the beneficiaries of unexpected events, good news and blessings, we must declare with the Psalmist, “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly, I will praise you. (Psalms 22:22). Indeed, as part of the psalmist’s appreciation and testimony, he said “What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? (Psalms 116:12). Peter also gave his testimony to the church when he “… described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said” (Acts 12:17). May the Lord, cause us to experience unexpected miracles and blessings in our favour. May our mouths be filled with testimonies. Surely,  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Again, just as the Church prayed for Peter’s liberation and safety, may our prayer not go unanswered in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

In summary, we have discovered that God can cause the unexpected to happen so long as it is His will, let us not give up but continue to pray without ceasing in faith. Shalom

PRAYER

Thank You, God, for the grace and blessings you have bestowed upon us. May we continue to experience the unexpected manifestation of Your glory in our lives. Amen.