WAKE UP

Monday, October 12, 2009

Acts 12:5-11

⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. ⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. ⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. ⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. ¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. ¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

I love this story in the bible. Peter was about to be put to death, chained to two men, and guarded by two others just outside his cell. And here was this brother asleep! He had that much trust in the Lord that he was getting his rest. Peter knew that God was going to take care of him. He knew that God had everything in control. So why should he be worrying about the things we have to face in our lives? When we are in trouble, or when we are going through some trial, or we are facing some seemingly impossible situation in our life, we should realize the fact that God has everything under control.

What God promises, He will deliver! In Peter’s case it was probably good that he was asleep. It meant he was at peace with himself and the circumstances around him. But Peter was not asleep in then spirit. When we are asleep spiritually we are not conscious of God’s promises, nor do we acknowledge them. When we are asleep spiritually we have no communication with God and we are not aware that God is there to help us in time of trial and trouble. God sends his angles to tell us to WAKE UP! And most just turn over and ignore God’s call! Before Peter could be delivered from that prison, he first had to wake up, get his senses together, realize that the angel was there to give him instructions and lead him out. So we must wake up and realize that God is with us! He is standing ready to deliver us from whatever has you chained. It does not matter whether it is your health, your finances, your employment, your dependence, or your past! God is ready to set you free! WAKE UP!

Are you in a prison of doubt, fear, or anxiety? Then, Wake Up and take command of your morning! Take and possess your promise! God is standing ready to help you! Wake up this morning and seek what God has for you! In Jesus’ Name! Have a blessed week! AMEN

Shabach Shalom!

By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett

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