Day 3 - Prayer works!!!

In Acts 12, after Peter was arrested, the church was praying constantly for him. Verse 5 states: "So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church". Each time I read this Scripture, I reflect on the disciples' reaction; it almost suggests that they didn't really believe God would answer their prayers (verses 15 and 16). However, God in His mercy, still granted their desires.

I'm reminded of another Scripture (James 5:16) - "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results". There is great power in heartfelt prayer!

Even though Peter was in prison, the night before he was due to be executed wasn't too late for God! He stepped into the situation at what seemed like the last minute and rescued Peter through an angel.

We cannot guarantee that we will always have what we want when we pray. However, we know that God hears our prayers, and He knows how to work them out for the ultimate good of those we are praying for. Whether our loved ones are released from prison or not, God is still in the business of doing miracles. More often than not, the first miracle will be the one in their hearts and I daresay; in ours!

When we don't know what else to do, we can pray. I heard a quote some years ago, "If there is a man to pray, there is a God to answer". Our responsibility is to continue to pray. As we do so, let's keep our eyes and ears alert, for God is always working - in us and for us!

Believing that God is the God of miracles, why don’t you join me right now to pray?

Prayer:

Dear God, we thank You for all those currently facing various prison sentences, no matter how short or long. We thank You that in Your mercy, You are able to turn things around in an instant. We thank You, that even if You choose not to change the sentence, You are still in charge and You are still more than able to use this for Your ultimate purpose and for our ultimate good. We trust You with all our lives and we thank You for the bigger picture in all of this. We thank You that when we place our trust in You, we will live with You forever, no matter what happens here on Earth. Thank You Lord. Amen.

Reflection:

Read Revelation 21:1-4.

Read it again. Then close your eyes and imagine yourself in a place and time where there is no more death, pain or crying. A place of utmost bliss... Open your eyes and smile big, because regardless of what happens here on Earth, this is what you will experience if you place your trust in Jesus. If you haven't yet done this, why not do so today? He is waiting for you … ❤️

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^Song Lyrics in the Day 2 devotional reading were copied from www.genius.com.

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