This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

Get Up, Get Dressed, and Get Going!

By Joe Jonas

Suddenly, 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. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did.“Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. —Acts 12:7-8

Have you ever experienced something so incredible you thought it was a dream? Or prayed so fervently for something but then were surprised when it came to pass? If so, you can relate to this chapter in Acts.

Peter was imprisoned, marked for execution, and heavily guarded. To an observer, it would seem Peter was in a hopeless situation—deep in isolation and beyond help. Some of you may be feeling this way right now—far off track and lost in the darkness, wondering if anyone cares or if God even sees you in your situation. But Peter wasn’t alone, and God hadn’t forgotten him. He had people praying for him . . . and so do you!

I love this story of Peter’s encounter with the angel because it offers us hope when we feel hopeless. But like Peter, there are some things we need to do. You see, Peter was usually the one taking charge or doing the talking. He was bold, outspoken, and a bit brazen. But when he found himself in a situation where he could do nothing, it was the mandate from the angel in this story that directed his course:get up, get dressed, and get going!

We Must Get Up
The first step out is the first step up. We must take action and get up because that’s when the chains come off. We may not be moving forward, but we’re no longer in bondage. Getting up takes faith as we trust God for the outcome. When the angel spoke to Peter and said, “Get up!” Peter got up in faith, and the chains fell. Our job is simply to get up and have faith, letting God take care of the rest.

We Must Get Dressed
The angel told Peter to get dressed and put on his sandals. Peter is now unshackled, standing on his own two feet, dressed, and ready to get out of prison. The process of freedom is underway. Like Peter, we can’t function normally in society wearing prison-issued clothing.We can’t run the race without our shoes—our feet must be prepared with the gospel (see Ephesians 6:15). In prison, Peter was dressed for where he was, but he needed to redress for where he was going. In the same way, we need to start dressing for where God wants us to go.

We Must Get Going
Once you get up and get dressed, the preparation is complete and you’re ready to go! Your senses kick in, and you fall in sync with what God’s doing in your life. Peter realized he wasn’t dreaming; God was orchestrating his divine rescue. Peter’s senses kicked in, and he acknowledged God was controlling his steps. He followed the angel out of the darkness, and the gates of the prison opened on their own. He was free!

Have you ever wondered, Why me, God? Why did You come find me in that dark place and set me free? He did it because He loves you and cares about you and what you’re going through. And there have been faithful people praying earnestly for you!

The church had been praying so fervently for Peter to get out of prison, but when he showed up and the servant girl saw him, the people thought she was out of her mind and seeing his angel (see Acts 12:12–17)! They didn’t understand God had orchestrated a miracle!

How many times have we been in the midst of a miracle and not even realized it? Imagine being Peter, set free and standing at the door of a prayer meeting where they’re praying for your release, and no one even believes you’re there! They’d been praying for him to be set free, and there he was! Just because you might not believe it doesn’t stop it from being true. Your belief doesn’t make it so, your belief makes you go. Your belief activates the plans and purposes of God in your life. So get up, get dressed, and get going!

If you find yourself in a dark place today, feeling unseen by God, do what Peter did—wait for the Lord, and when He comes, be obedient and follow Him. You may feel hopeless but know this: you’re never so lost that you can’t get home. You’re never too far gone to be restored and healed. You haven’t made too many mistakes that you can’t be saved. And you’re not too far away or too securely shackled that you can’t be set free. You may have isolated yourself from your friends or feel out of touch with people, but you’re never out of Christ’s reach! No one could get to Peter but God ... and wherever you are, God can get to you too!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I have wandered off Your path and drifted out of Your sight too many times. But I now know I’ve never been out of Your view, and You’ve never forgotten me. You’re always watching over me and orchestrating my steps back to Your path. Thank You for my church family and friends and Jesus Himself who continue to earnestly pray for me to no longer be held captive by circumstances or hindered from drawing closer to You. Show me the way out when I feel stuck in dark places and unable to move. Set me free from the people and things that keep me away from Your purposes for my life. Help me to get up, get dressed, and get going in the direction of Your plans for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• Is there an area of your life where you feel trapped and disconnected from God? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He’s working, and trust that when you move in faith, God will break the chains.
• Surround yourself with friends and family who know how to pray with you and for you. Tell them when you have a specific request.
• Reflect on where God is leading you next and “get dressed” for it spiritually. Spend time reading Scripture, praying, and journaling about the future. Begin speaking and acting in line with the person you are becoming in Christ.

For Further Study

Acts 12; Deuteronomy 10:11; Psalm 91:11–15;Acts 17:28; Proverbs 16:9

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?