As the new year, 2021, begins, I would like to begin with a question. In recent days have you been known to do something simply because of joy? Anything at all? I daresay that is a difficult question for me, and for all 7 billion+ people on our planet. Nevertheless, it is joy that will enable us to overcome political turmoil, economic downturn, even a global pandemic. In the book of Acts, we read the story of how an imprisoned Peter had been miraculously released as an angel woke him and safely led him out the prison doors. Listen to this brief excerpt of his encounter with a young servant girl named Rhoda as Peter knocks on the door of the gate:
“When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.” Acts 12:14-16
Because of her joy, Rhoda failed to open the gate for Peter. It is actually a bit amusing to think of Peter standing outside the gate, while she runs into the house where everyone was gathered in prayer just for him. But God includes this in His Word to demonstrate for us the intoxicating JOY of answered prayer.
Yes, as 2021 begins, many are deeply concerned about the conditions of our world, and even our own nation, and for very good reasons. But what if we decided to take all these concerns to the LORD in prayer? And what if we do so in a Spirit of unity? And with a sense of expectation that God will hear AND that our God will answer? I am convinced that our God is waiting, watching, and listening for our cries. And I am convinced that God will answer and achieve infinitely more than your greatest request!
Joyfully Serving Christ with you,
Kim