Let's Get Going!

Daily Reading: Acts 12

Scripture Focus: And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12.7)

Devotional Thought: Today, my friend is released from rehab. I’m so excited to see her! I have been writing her and talking to her on the phone, but have not been able to see her in person for 4 months! Many times I have wished that I could bust her out and go get a burger and fries - her favorite meal! But, we just had to wait until the right time – God’s time - for her to get out.

In the book of Acts, we read about how Peter was arrested and put in jail. I like what it says in Acts 12.5: “The church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Suddenly it was the right time. God answered their prayers, and Peter was busted out by an angel of the Lord. Consider the symbolism of this “break-out.”

The angel was…

• Standing. Have you ever felt that you were all alone? That all your friends had deserted you? Remember that Jesus is still with you. He will stand with you when no one else will. And, in that final judgment, he will stand up for you before the throne of God!

• Shining. When you don’t know the way out, look for the light of God! He will show you the way so you can follow.

• Striking. There are times when we are trapped in the slumber of despair and doubt. God sometimes has to shake us to wake us. No matter how much we want to sleep through that wake up call, we need to respond when God is moving.

• Speaking. Yes, God is saying something. Listen to that still small voice. Read his Word. Search out the meaning. What is God saying to you right now?

Let's get going!

Prayer: Lord, I confess there are times when I get bogged down in my discouragement and depression. Forgive me, O Lord, and help me to see that you stand beside me. Shine your light to guide me. Awaken me and speak your will. I will follow you out of my prison of darkness and despair. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. 5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you. 7 I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. (Psalms 71:1-8)