Rhoda

Joy in Prayer

Late into the night, the church pled for God’s mercy on behalf of their imprisoned leader, Peter.

Rhoda, a household servant, knew well the believers who met in Mary’s large house. But though they prayed earnestly for Peter, it seemed inevitable that he would face a morning execution.

Suddenly a sharp rap at the door interrupted their prayers. Rhoda approached the entrance, listened—and heard a familiar voice. At the gate stood Peter! In her excitement, she forgot to let him in and instead ran to inform the praying church. “Peter is at the door!” she exclaimed. But not until he stood among them, recounting his deliverance, did they jubilantly acknowledge the Lord’s provision.

Just as Rhoda’s gladness sustained her heart when life became painful, so the joy of Christ sustains you when the future appears impossible. The delight of your salvation helps you endure when disappointments and difficult issues assail you.

Taken from The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible