AUG. 21, 2013
Living
Beyond The Odds
Read: Acts
12:1-11
Constant prayer was offered to God for [Peter] by the church. —Acts 12:5
Many
of us make daily decisions based on the odds. If there’s a 20 percent chance
of
rain, we may ignore it. If there’s a 90 percent chance, we’ll take an umbrella.
The
greater the odds, the more our behavior is affected because we want to
choose wisely
and be successful.
Acts
12:1-6 describes a situation in which Peter’s odds of survival were very low.
He
was in prison, “bound with two chains between two soldiers” while others
guarded the
door (v.6). Herod had already executed James, one of Jesus’ closest
followers, and he
had the same fate in mind for Peter (vv.1-3). A gambler would
not have put any money
on Peter getting out of this alive.
Yet
God’s plan for Peter included a miraculous deliverance that even those who were
interceding for him found hard to believe (vv.13-16). They were astonished when
he
showed up at their prayer meeting.
God
can operate outside the odds because He is all-powerful. Nothing is too hard
for
Him. The One who loves us and gave Himself for us is in charge of our
lives. In ordinary circumstances and impossible situations, God can reveal His
power. Whether we are
showered with success or sustained in sorrow, He is with
us.
Dear God, we’re so thankful that nothing is too
difficult for You. You can do amazing things!
Help us to trust that You are always with us
and always in control. We love You, Lord.
God is always in control behind the scenes.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
