Monday, February 05, 2007

RHODA - a woman of prayer

People don't find out how much they really believe in prayer until one of God's answers comes knocking at the door! Rhoda was a young believer caught up in exciting days that followed Jesus resurrection. At first, it may have looked like everyone would turn to the risen Christ. Then came the backlash. Ugly confrontations, imprisonment, and even death were used to resist the wildfire of the gospel message. No one was safe.

Rhoda chose to participate in a fervent prayer meeting, asking God for the safe release of Peter who had been imprisoned. While they were praying, God was working. An angel broke Peter out of his confinement. Once the angel left him on the street, Peter made his way to the house where Rhoda and the others were still in prayer. He knocked on the outer door, and Rhoda went to answer. She recognised Peter's voice and got so excited she rushed back into the house to tell the news. During the next confusing minutes, Peter was left standing out in the street.

At first, the others in the house didn't believe Rhoda's report. But someone finally decided that the best way to check her story was to open the door. They found to their surprise and delight that God had answered their prayers. Rhoda had the right attitude; she just forgot an item that would have easily persuaded others - Peter himself. We may chuckle over Rhoda's insight, but it reminds us how easily we fall into the error of praying for what we don't really expect God to provide. God will not be bound by our prayers, but he often answers them with a precision we miss because we aren't paying close enough attention.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Deciding to pray when the situation seems impossible shows how much you trust God. We need to choose the power of prayer over doubting. When we pray for rain, we ought to carry our umbrellas with us. Sometimes when we are surprised by God's answer, we end up giving an unclear report. When God's answers come knocking, open the door. That will be a choice that is pleasing to God.


(Note: An excerpt from my study bible)

Celia :: 7:21 AM :: 0 Comments:

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