Being persistent is a trait that is essential along our spiritual journey. It is easy to give up, especially when we are discouraged or unsure of ourselves. Peter was put in prison by King Herod Agrippa, who planned on killing him until God intervened and sent an angel to free him. As quickly as the angel appeared to free Peter, he left as soon as he was outside the prison. As Peter left the prison, he was not sure what had happened was real.
Acts 12:11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” [1] You can imagine what was going through Peter’s mind as he traveled down the street toward the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark. Many believers had gathered in Mary’s house to pray for Peter’s release.
Peter Knocked on the Door
Acts 12:13 Peter knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” [2] Surprised that God answered their prayers, Rhoda was so anxious to tell others she didn’t open the door. Those in the prayer room did not believe her when she told them Peter was at the door. As people of faith, we should be confident that God answers the prayers of those who seek Him. When you pray, trust God will answer your prayer in His way and timing. We can be thankful that He does.
Peter Kept on Knocking
Even though Rhoda saw Peter at the door, she was so excited that she did not open it but went to tell others. Often, life is like that, where we think a door in life will open, but it doesn’t. Peter kept knocking in this story, but your situation may not be as easy. Should I move on or keep knocking?
Acts 12:16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.[3] It is essential to know that persistence is not a trait we are born with but something we can develop. With God’s help, we can keep going when it is easy to give up. The Apostle Paul gives insight. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [4]
As believers, God calls us to look to Him and persist along our faith walk, even in challenging times. What is going on where it may be easy to give up, but the Lord is calling you to keep knocking? As we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and look to God’s strength, the impossible becomes possible. To learn more about being persistent, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/an-angel-rescues-peter
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.