Make Us Ready

Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.
Acts 12:7

A friend shared her SOAP with me today on this Scripture. (SOAP is an acronym for Scripture Observation Application and Prayer.) Linda always has a different take and this one is no exception. It is really good!

She writes:

OBSERVATION: God is sending an angel to break Peter out of prison. Peter was asleep and the angel had to wake him and tell him to hurry up! That's when the chains fell off his wrists. I see this as those times God sends an answer that we might not be ready for, and He actually makes us ready (struck Peter's side, chains fell off). But in order to receive it, Peter had to act quickly and follow the angel out to freedom (read vvs. 8-11).

Am I refusing to follow God to freedom?!?

APPLICATION: Lord, I don't know how often You'll need to wake me or even ask me to act quickly. But let me understand and learn that trust is the key - because without trust, it does not matter what You ask or how fast I need to act. However, if I trust You, then it all works out.

PRAYER: Father, Let us recognize when we've been unchained and set free, and let us not remain seated in our prison. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen