Don’t Just Pray, Expect Answers
“Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.” Acts 12:7-9
In this passage, Peter was sitting between two guards and suddenly an angel of the Lord comes to him and frees him and he thinks it’s a vision! He’s not sure if it’s for real.
Then, after his escape, Peter goes to where believers are interceding for him and knocks on the door – they didn’t open the door immediately! The young lady, Rhoda who reported that Peter was at the door was accused of being “crazy!” Can you imagine? Even those praying for his freedom, are surprised that he’s actually free!
There are two points I want us to see in this story. First, Peter is freed supernaturally with angelic assistance – and he thinks it was a vision! He had to step into the reality that he was actually free! Secondly, there were believers who talked and even prayed about freedom, but when true freedom came – they were surprised as though they didn’t really believe in their prayers!
Many believers know they should be free in Jesus. They have a head knowledge of freedom, but somehow they haven’t grasped the reality of the freedom that is promised! They walk with the vision without living the reality!
My challenge to you today is to walk in the reality of the freedom you have in Him! Take the promises of God and say, “If the Son has made me free, then I’m free indeed!” And claim that for your life today! Don’t be stuck in a vision of freedom – live in the reality of freedom! Claim it and live it!