One of the more…ummmm…I’m not sure what word to use passages-laughable, comical, intriguing, convicting, descriptive stories in the Bible is found in Acts 12. Each time I read it i chuckle. Marvel. And understand.

Peter had been put in prison by Herod. Herod had had James, the brother of John, executed by sword, and since it was such a hit and so well-received by the people, he had Peter tossed in prison also. The night before Peter’s execution, an angel wakes Peter up and takes him out of the jail and into the city, but then disappears. Peter realizes what had just happened so he heads to the house of Mary, Mark’s mother. And here is where it gets sort of comical, but convicting.

Peter knocks on the door and Rhoda, the servant, recognizes him. She leaves him standing outside 🙂 and runs to tell the people gathered…wait for it…praying for his release. When Rhoda tells them Peter is at the door, they think she’s nuts. (Exact words: “You are out of your mind”) But with a little insistence, Rhoda convinces them she isn’t nuts and Peter is standing at the door. (I wonder…did it dawn on her she left him standing outside?). Verse 16 says, “and when they opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.”

Two things hit me as I read that this morning:

• They were amazed. Why? Because their prayer was answered!

OR

• They were amazed because their prayer was answered.  Think about this before you answer. How many times have you been amazed by God’s answers to your prayer. He was listening to your prayer.  He was paying attention to you! And He knew the right time to answer.

I like surprises, especially good ones. To me, this is a good surprise. I am amazed and surprised how God answers my prayers.  I chuckle at their reaction to Rhoda’s message. But sadly, I can relate.

“Father, may I constantly be surprised by the way You answer my prayers. Help me to never lose the wonder of You.”