By Andrew Williams
Acts 12:9-11 (NLT) “So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. Peter finally came to his senses. ‘It’s really true!’ he said. ‘The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!’”
Good morning fellow disciples.
This extraordinary moment reveals the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison. At first, Peter thought it was just a vision, but as he followed the angel and walked past the guards and through the iron gate that opened on its own, he realized God was truly rescuing him. Peter’s words in verse 11 highlight his recognition of God’s providence: “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me.” This account reminds us of God’s power to intervene in impossible situations, breaking chains and opening doors no one else can.
Peter’s story is a powerful reminder that God is our deliverer. No matter how dire or hopeless a situation may seem, God is able to intervene in ways beyond our imagination. Like Peter, you may not always recognize God’s deliverance at first, but as you trust Him and take steps of faith, you’ll see His hand at work. This passage empowers us as disciples to redirect our focus from fear and uncertainty to faith in God’s ability to rescue and guide us. Remember, God doesn’t leave us in our chains—He’s a God of freedom and breakthrough.
This week, take time to reflect on moments in your life where God has delivered you from difficult situations, even if you didn’t recognize it at first. Write them down as a testimony of His faithfulness. If you’re currently facing a challenge, redirect your focus to God’s power and trust Him to make a way. Spend time in prayer, asking Him to open doors and break chains in your life or in the lives of those around you. As an act of faith, share your testimony of deliverance with someone who needs encouragement, reminding them of God’s power to save.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for being my deliverer. I praise You for the times You’ve rescued me, even when I didn’t see it right away. Forgive me for the moments I’ve doubted Your power or tried to solve things on my own. Help me to redirect my focus to Your ability to break chains and open impossible doors. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and use me to encourage others who need to hear of Your saving power. I commit to trusting You in every situation, knowing that You are always working for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
