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And the Chains Fell Off
Tim Savage6The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate.7Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Acts 12
This story of Peter’s escape is always such a blessing to read. It’s another case of reality being stranger than fiction in the Bible. An angel appears, the guards are asleep, the chains fall off, the locked cell doors open and the iron gate leading to the city is unlocked; Peter walks right out of maximum security. I would love to shoot this as a movie because the story is so visual and exciting; it’s like a scene out of the Lord of the Rings!
There will be times in our lives when we feel we are surrounded and locked up by the enemy – illness, disease, injury, money, relationships, our job, our boss, our kids, our parents – the list goes on, but God is real and He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He loves us and wants the best for us and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
Our Savior can unlock the chains that bind us, He will provide for us from people and places we never expected, he can heal and restore miraculously. That doesn’t mean we won’t suffer or experience heartbreak or pain, we will, but God wants the best for us, He wants to give us a future and a hope. We will be freed and walk out of the situations that imprison us. I have been miraculously delivered and you will too. Like Job and Peter I must have faith in my Heavenly Father, knowing that He will work all things together for my good and that one day I will be able to turn around and see the goodness that He had for me all along, even during the pain and suffering.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for loving me especially when I don’t deserve it. Thank You for the miracles You provide. Open my eyes so that I may see Your goodness all around me and give me a faith that can draw others closer to You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
