Herod’s death is one of those Bible stories that the little boys in Sunday school love to talk about. A greedy, self-consumed king who attacked the followers of Jesus got eaten by worms. Worms, of all things. Can you imagine? But if we just chalk this story up to being gross and weird, we’re missing the point.
In Acts, we see how the followers of Jesus endured persecution and hatred from the world, just as Jesus said. In chapter 12, Herod imprisoned Peter, intending to kill him, simply because he saw it pleased the Jewish people (Acts 12:3). Yet despite Herod’s evil intentions, God’s plans prevailed.
But the word of God spread and multiplied.
—Acts 12:24
Herod’s earthly power and influence were nothing compared to the powerful prayers of God’s people (v.5). We see this when, despite being kept under heavy watch, Peter was suddenly rescued by an angel.
Rhoda, a servant, was so amazed to hear Peter’s voice at the gate of the house where the church was gathering that she could barely even think of doing the next thing! So she ran into the house, where everyone else told her she was out of her mind. But she knew what she heard. Meanwhile, everyone else had to see to believe (v.16).
In this story we see different responses to the work of God. Rhoda, a lowly servant, gave witness to a miracle. Herod, a royal king, was consumed with his reputation and power and struck dead for not giving glory to God. He wanted all the glory for himself and was willing to do whatever it took to get it.
Maybe the Lord wants to remind us through this passage that glory and honor look different in the kingdom. Here on earth, those who work hard and know the right people often get an honored place and position. In the kingdom of God, position and power do not equal glory. I don’t know about you, but that’s a reminder I need again and again and again.
Lord, make us willing vessels today, not for our good, but for Your glory. Help us to focus more on what You’re doing than receiving places of honor. Remind us that You have not called us to be impressive; You’ve called us to be available as witnesses to Your work. May Your Word and Your truth flourish and multiply through us. Amen.
Leave a Reply
106 thoughts on "Peter Rescued by an Angel"
Amen
♥️
amen
❤️✝️
❤️❤️❤️
❤️
declare it BOLDLY
May your word and truth flourish and multiply through us. All I want is to be your messenger Lord. Amen
“You have not called us to be impressive; You’ve called us to be available as witnesses to Your work.” – I loved this! May I always remember it.
I pray that I would speak boldly for Jesus and that I would only live for God’s recognition, and not man’s. Being a mom and serving God behind the scenes can feel thankless, but God sees and he knows.
Embolden us!
My attempt at a re-write [most points remembered and saved to Word this time!]
“Remind us that You have not called us to be impressive; You’ve called us to be available as witnesses to Your work. May Your Word and Your truth flourish and multiply through us. Amen.” Amen and amen, ABBY FLYNN!
*****
We are not Peter, James, or Paul (or Barnabas as I said yesterday), but we have a place in service according to God’s call.
*****
NKJV Enduring Word Study Bible and the NIV Application Bible both mentioned the word in v. 5 ‘constant,’ ‘earnestly,’ which translated means ‘stretched out’ and they gave the example of a person standing on tiptoes with arms/fingers reaching as high and as far as physically possible. What a way to pray! Even when I am praying ‘constantly’ for something, am I praying ‘earnestly’?
NKJV Enduring Word Study Bible went on to say:
“Often our prayer is powerless because it is not earnest. There is no stretching out in prayer. Earnest prayer has power, not because it persuades a reluctant God but because it demonstrates that our heart cares passionately about the things God cares about. This fulfills Jesus’ promise: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).”
Warren Wiersbe:
12:5 Why was James allowed to die, while Peter was rescued? After all, both were dedicated servants of God, needed by the church. The only answer is the sovereign will of God, the very matter that Peter and the church had prayed about after their second experience of persecution (4:24–30). Many believers were praying for Peter (12:12), and they kept it up day and night for a week.
12:8 God alone can do the extraordinary, but His people must do the ordinary. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, people had to roll the stone from the tomb. The same angel that removed the chains from Peter’s hands could have put the shoes on Peter’s feet, but He told Peter to do it. God never wastes miracles.
*****
These are the commentaries that fueled my earlier comment. Wiersbe’s note on 12:8 had me pondering the reactions of Peter and the people. Peter had to know the church was praying for him, but when the chains fell off the angel had to tell him to put on his shoes. The church was so stunned Peter had to wait for them to open the door for him. As Wiersbe noted, God required some action from the parties involved. I think of that as putting feet to faith.
*****
I asked, “What chains are holding us/me back from service to God?
SONG SHARE:
Jesus Culture – Break Every Chain (Official Lyric Video)
Partial Lyrics:
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain
*****
Love, hugs, and prayers! [heart]
****
One more thing: as I was trying to recall my original wording, this thought came to me re: Peter sleeping while jailed.
This was the eve of his being put to death. I remembered Jesus asking Peter to be one of the ones to pray for Him on the eve of His crucifixion. Matthew 26:36-46 gives the full account.
These verses are a chilling parallel:
37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Posted from laptop
❤️❤️❤️
Just some thoughts…about the worms. Worms like the dark. Break down organic garbage. Herod’s death…Acts 12:20-23. Going deeper Daniel 3:28-30. The decree …torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump …Earthworms turn decay into rich soil. In the midst of all that is happening in Acts 12:24 -But the word of God spread and multiplied.-
Even when we can’t see or know what’s going on, God never stops working!
Love this!! One of my favorite things when reading scripture is looking in the details. This really spoke to me, so thank you for digging into the Word!
That’s weird! I saw my post here and now it’s not here!
Oh, well…if it doesn’t reappear, I may try to rewrite.
I ended by asking what chains are holding us back from serving the Lord and mentioned the song Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture. When I wrnt back to read comments,cI saw Tami’s!!! ❤
✨✨✨
Love, hugs,and prayers! ❤
oh bummer :(((
I posted 2 times- nothing showed up onscreen. Third attempt- went to moderation! Truly bummed now! :(
ABBY said, “Remind us that You have not called us to be impressive; You’ve called us to be available as witnesses to Your work. May Your Word and Your truth flourish and multiply through us. Amen.” Amen and amen, ABBY FLYNN! ❤
✨✨✨✨✨
We are not Peter, Barnabas, or Paul and as I mentioned yesterday we don’t have to be! I got so much from my commentaries this morning, but this quote from Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible is my favorite:
“God alone can do the extraordinary, but His people must do the ordinary. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, people had to roll the stone from the tomb. The same angel that removed the chains from Peter’s hands could have put the shoes on Peter’s feet, but He told Peter to do it. God never wastes miracles.”
.
Again, as mentioned in a couple commentaries, when Peter got to the gate of the house, those holding the prayer meeting were required to open the door- no angelic intervention there. Pondering why God planned that- maybe to help the people’s faith by giving them a physical part in the release to go along with their spiritual (prayer)?
Acting in faith.
✨✨✨✨✨
Another standout in the commentaries is the mention of the prayers by the people. “Stretched out” is the phrase used by a couple of them with one giving the example of stretching to your utmost to reach something- standing on the tips of your toes with arms/fingers reaching. They said the same word was used to describe Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.
✨✨✨✨✨
God freed Peter from his chains. What chains are holding me/us back in serving Him? Back to Abby’s quote above. ❤
✨✨✨✨✨
Once again there is so much rich reading here, but I will stop there. I noticed the number of comments ahead of mine and I am off to read them !
✨✨✨✨✨
SONG SHARE:
Break Every Chain [Jesus Culture – Break Every Chain (Official Lyric Video)]
Partial Lyric:
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain
✨✨✨✨✨
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Wow! What amazing scripture this morning. It has been awhile since I have read this.
Imagine. James was executed by the sword. Peter was then arrested. The church had to feel so defeated but they didn’t just sit around and feel sorry for themselves. Yesterday we read that (The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. 11:26) They are just forming the church, forming their identity and people like them were just executed and one of their main leaders was put in prison. BUT! The CHURCH was praying fervently to God for him. Suddenly an angel of the LORD appeared, woke Peter up and said, Quick, get up! The chains fell, the iron gate opened to them by itself, Peter knew where to go, Mary’s house… where MANY had assembled and were PRAYING! And the word of God flourished and multiplied. Whew!!
.
The church. We have this same power available to us. We have this same stuff happening all over our world. May we rise and pray, believing and trusting in You to move in ways that blow our minds. May I not be so wimpy Jesus, but bold and fierce and persistent in prayer for your church. I pray that your Church would multiply and flourish, Jesus. Open eyes all over this world to you, to your power, to your faithfulness, to your goodness. I pray Jesus for you to make yourself known, raise your people up to prayer, for we know that the powerful prayers of your people make a difference.
Break the chains and open the gates Father, all across our world.
Prayers can cause an angel to be sent. How incredible eh. Reminds me of Daniel’s case too, an angel was sent on the first day Daniel prayed and hindered by a demonic prince in Persia Iran. Prayers are so powerful, and amen that the church needs to pray more, and not sit idly by.
Amen!!
Amen Kristy, so very good!!
So much here to soak in and think through. I’ve got 2 considerations pinging around in my brain.. :)
1st- One thing that caught me was the poetic display of God’s power through light. Peter was in a Roman prison which were historically built mostly underground. No windows, damp and minimal air, zero natural light. I think in my mind it better translates to what I imagine a dungeon to be. When the angel shows up, light fills the cell. The darkness is forced to recieve light when it appears — the light carries the power :) Then, fast forward, Herod (humiliated and angry that his plan for a 2nd public pwerful-Christian Kill was gone) tries to puff himself up as great–as a god. There is a Jewish historian, Josephus, who also describes these events and he adds the detail that in all of Herod’s royal clothing he wore large, silver plates that would reflect the sun, giving him an intentional god-like “glow” in appearance. The irony is that in order to have this glow he had to be able to reflect the real source of light–he didn’t have it on his own, as the angel did. To make himself like a god he had to depend on and reflect the light created by the one true God. It was literally an outward display of something he lacked completely on the inside. It’s a compelling reminder to me that, as a believer, I have the choice to bring God’s light into dark spaces to glorify him and point to his greatness, or use him as a means to whatever end i desire and glorify myself. We see this happen with some leaders in the faith, this sidestep of self-glorification that ends up misleading followers of Jesus and distorting the true message he died to have shared. Jesus didn’t dress himself up and stand in propriety in the Temple saying, “clean up, come to me, then I’ll help you live a better life…” He went out in the messy places, in all humility and compassion, and met those who needed him right where they were. And more- he stayed with them. He lead them to truth by his actions. His inward and outward life never contradicted his verbal leadership. Especially in the time we live in, this is a powerful check we need to be doing daily in our own lives, as well as in those we follow.
2nd- Peter. They guy was asleep. In *prison*. A dungeon. Chained between 2 Roman guards (which i’ve heard can mean he was literally chained while sitting between them, or most likely, that he was chained TO them in order to keep his flight-risk minimal). Roman guards were known for their brutality, so I can’t imagine they were all sunshine and roses to their unwanted, despised roommate. And yet, Peter had the audacity to feel the peace necessary to be in a deep sleep. He just saw his close friend murdered by the same guy who had him arrested and instead of responding in anxiety and fear (which would make sleep impossible), he clearly had such trust in whatever God’s plan was, that he submitted to it even to the point of resting. I’m so convicted by that. His heart truly was only concerned with following the plan of God to move the gospel as God saw fit — if it meant his own death? So be it. That would be his mission and his final act of sacrifice for the gospel. It reminds me of Paul’s outlook: to live is Christ and to die is gain. This world is not our home, it’s our mission field.
Live for the sake of Christ or die for sake of Christ: It’s a win-win situation :) (**please do not misunderstand my words for being unconcerned or lighthearted about those sincerely suffering for the name of Jesus in our world — the persecuted Church is a heavy concern in my heart. I’m responding to the “win” being our true surrender to whatever God’s call is on each of our lives, no matter the outcome, that His name be glorified and his Kingdom be furthered :) )
I also was struck by him sleeping. Such a great share, thank you! Live for the sake of Christ or die for the sake of Christ: It is a win-win situation! Amen.
Amen sister “We see this happen with some leaders in the faith, this sidestep of self-glorification that ends up misleading followers…”
Thank you for this!
Amen!
Asking for prayers for healing for a gentleman from my church named Bob. He has been fighting cancer for quite some time now.
Praying ❤️
Praying for Bob
“You have not called us to be impressive; You’ve called us to be available as witnesses to Your work.”
.
An available witness to God’s work. That is the desire of my heart. Often I fail, but I will keep on trying to “hit the mark.”
.
Prayer must precede everything, especially in our sharing of our faith – the hope that lies within us.
Prayer first is vital to our victories. We can not pray enough for each other, and must take to heart Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:18-19, “always be praying for all the Lord’s people.”
.
I need to remember to reach out to my sisters, especially if I know that I will be in the presence of lost family or friends, “that words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…”
.
Me and you – interceding for each other, that’s what the body of Christ is all about.
—
One thing that always strikes me about this account of Peter’s miraculous release from prison is that here you have a houseful of believers praying for this very thing – and when God answers, they don’t believe it!
.
It makes me wonder – how would I have reacted? Would I have burst out in praise and ran to the door, or would I like they think Rhoda had lost her mind??
.
God answers prayer – why does that surprise us?
—
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…” Ephesians 3:20-21
—
@Tracy Covington – praying for your daughter
@Adrienne – continued prayers for Matt & his family. Any updates?
@Cee Gee – praise for the found debit card!
@Mari V – prayers for your son Caleb & job search
@Tanya – wisdom as whether to accept the job or not
@Rhonda – hope all went well at the jail yesterday (trusting you got out of jail ☺️)
—
Praying for all of us who are in the path of this ferocious winter storm. Be warm, stay safe! ❤️
❤
Yes, I am praying it will not live up to the forecast!
I’m looking forward to a snow day! lol
There is such differing ends of the spectrum in this passage. It begins with the almost matter of fact, one sentence statement about James being put to death. No talk of imprisonment, no miraculous rescue, just put to death by the sword. And then Peter was arrested and imprisoned and they was a miraculous rescue. Its always just so interesting to me in scripture how some things leave us with little details and curious questions and others give us a more seemingly full picture. In my brief searching for more insight on James and in the differing of these two,I couldn’t find anything. It a reminder that we just can’t know and understand the ways and workings of God. Peter’s on the other hand, what am amazing account of how the Lord rescued him to be to carry on the work of the Gospel. How encouraging it is when prayer is answered in such a dramatic way. And then Herods death is a bit dramatic (and yucky)too.
A standout verse for me is vs 24 “But the Word of God increased and multiplied.”
In the middle of this chapter about James, Peter, angels, soldiers, Herod, fervent praying, miracles and death the Lord’s work continued and carried on. He never stops working, no matter the details of the story. This encourages me today ❤️
Me too Wendy!!!
❤
I am praying this morning that I would speak boldly for Jesus. That I would not be afraid despite all obstacles, to share the Good News.
All glory and honor to you, dear Jesus.
Thank you for this book of Acts, Lord. Thank you that we can learn so much and be so encouraged by what is in Your Word. In Your Glorious Name, Amen.
EVERYTHING erased!! Sigh….Lets see if I can go back.. Worms!!! Eww…..gross!! Not sure if I remember ever reading this part or had forgotten about it! Okay… I think I remember and have to hurry as I’m running out of time…God gets the glory in EVERYTHING!! Whenever I accomplish something in life especially if it was challenging or hard, I always do my best to give God the glory as apart from Him,I am nothing. I cannot and will not do anything without my Jesus! He is my EVERYTHING! My Jesus gets ALL the glory for all my accomplishments. Even the scary ones in which I still reach out for prayer.
My comment actually showed up on this page and then not there! I saw the heading (my name) so I am not mistaken.
So sorry it happened again. Drafting in MS word or Notes first can save a lot of frustration.
My husband always tells me to do this (I lose written letters to my girls often as well! you would think I would learn!!), but I just start in on my comments!
I love this part of Acts, Peter gets yo go through the first automatic door, Rhoda leaving Peter outside because she got so excited, and Herod getting his just reward! And even light of persecution, God’s word spread and more people came to him!
Such a great lesson of how God uses something meant evil for something good!
Praying over all the requests!!
Yes!❤️
❤️
I find myself sad for James…where is his angel of rescue? His miracle? Something we wrestle with often here. Why him, or her…and not this one. Why healing for some and not others. Poor James doesn’t get any accolades or glory for his ministry that’s for sure- just a “James was killed by the sword…” Period. Yet we do know he must have been doing good work and gathering crowds and believers because the Jews were happy he was gone.
Peter, on the other hand gets a miraculous visit from an angel that frees him! Again, instead of being happy for him, my mind says…but James. We want fairness, even from the Lord. But like Kelly Neo said, that is something for us to wrestle with here, as we see it over and over, but will all make sense one day. God does what he knows is best.
The better lesson is we as believers must participate in the spread of the gospel no matter what the consequences must be. I say it often but in America we don’t see much persecution. There have been a sprinkling that have made the new in the 10’s- The bakery that refused to make a cake for the same sex marriage, the football coach arrested for praying with his team on the field. The young boy that got suspended for wearing a Tshirt that stated something about 2 sexes only.
I remember posting here a decade ago when I was kinda shocked when my granddaughter was in preschool or kindergarten and she said they weren’t allowed to talk about Jesus. And since we have heard lots of talk about Christian clubs getting push back. I doubt I would have ever in my school years stood up against the crowd. I don’t like to go against the grain. Yet we are told we MUST go against the world. We are not to be as they are. We belong to Christ, and that marks us to BE and ACT differently. Before it was easy because everyone was expected to act with good morals. But now…the last decade has blown what we know as “normal” to backwards! Exactly as scripture says “what is right is wrong, and wrong is right!” We stand on truth though as the rest of the world turns upside down. We are not shocked (although we are) because we are standing firm on the rock, steadfast in faith. Be of good courage, do not grow weary, and run the race to win!
Lord give us boldness and courage to stand strong and firm. But not only to stand..but to step out in faith to really make a big difference, to stir the pot, to go where is needed, to start something new!! We are not to be quiet and hold you in…we are to be a light on the hill! The light in the darkness. The dark has come out of the shadows into schools, and churches and normal places unlike times past, so we must be different in the culture as well. Not letting the darkness (sin) overcome. We say No Lord…the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy and you need warriors! We are fighting a Spiritual battle and your people need to be equipped for this battle. Praying fervently together. Churches together praying for America and the persecuted of the world. We are in a time like never before. Your church is getting attacked in America…we must react. Lord give us wisdom how. Give us courage. I need courage Lord. I need a strong voice. I need a strong sword and how to wield it. With you, I can do all things. WE can do all things Thank you in Jesus mighty name, amen!!
Amen❤️
Thank you for sharing Rhonda. I am agreeing with you in prayer. Lord, I pray that we would be bold. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit to be bold for you.
Sovereign and eternal God grant us courage!
❤️
Stand up,stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Lord! (hymn).
Stand up (for His glory)- not stand out (for our glory).
❤
Yes! LOVE that hymn, it was always a favorite!!
Amen 100%
“ Your church is getting attacked in America…we must react. Lord give us wisdom how. Give us courage. I need courage Lord.“
Reminds me of the hymn
“God of Grace and God of Glory”.
God of grace and God of glory,
on Thy people pour Thy pow’r;
crown Thine ancient church’s story,
bring her bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways!
Fears and doubts too long have bound us,
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
3 Set our feet on lofty places;
gird our lives, that they may be
armored with all Christ-like graces
in the fight to set men free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
that we fail not man nor Thee!
That we fail not man nor Thee!
Left out “replies” to yesterday earlier –
.
CEE GEE ❤️ “Where would we be without God’s plan to save us?”
WENDY B ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️praying God’s grace and mercy for Tosha
MOLLIE – praying for total success in your husband’s surgery next week
❤
❤️
Lord,
.
Sometimes I only understand after the door is already open,
after the chains are quiet on the floor.
.
Only then do I see, it was You.
.
You hear prayers spoken in faith
and those whispered through doubt.
.
You move while I wait,
You work while I wonder.
.
Break what binds me in ways I cannot,
lead me when I do not know the path,
and teach my heart to trust You
before the answer comes.
.
Keep me faithful in the waiting,
steady in the dark,
believing You are near
even when Your hand is unseen.
.
All glory belongs to You,
the God who sends help,
the God who never forgets His own.
.
Amen
.
“Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel a rescued me from Herods grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.” Acts 12:11
❤️
absolutely beautiful!!
Thank you, Kimberly- beautiful words.❤️
I love this dear Kimberley, thanks for sharing!
Beautiful words. Thank you Kimberly ❤️
Amen
Amen, thank you Kimberly! ❤️
Beautiful as always, Kimberly! Thank you! ❤
It’s been a while since I’ve read Acts 12. So much intent to stifle the spread of God’s word – not much different in the world today. That the Jews were pleased with Herod’s slaying of James just egged him on to try and do the same to Peter. Herod clearly had a grasp of the power of God, assigning 4 squads (4 men each) to guard 1 preacher. But nothing will stop our all powerful God’s plan as we’ve discussed before – not 16 men, not 16 million men.
.
So much detail … like each instruction of the angel to Peter, a girl named Rhoda answering the door, Peter motioning to them with his hand to keep silent.
.
Another take on the 1st commandment- “You shall have no other gods before Me” … don’t act like one or accept accolades as if you were a god.
Herod did not deny/correct the people shouting that his was the voice of a god, did not give glory to the Almighty God.
A stern warning to some in today’s world.
Yes!! Not 16 men, not 16 million men!!
Well said, Searching! With God nothing is impossible! ❤
“don’t act like one or accept accolades as if you were a god”- amen.
So no one else immediately thought “parasites”?! Okay- just me then- haha
Me too Amanda!!
My thought was, “what, worms! Yuk!” haha
I personally enjoy that Herod was ate by worms because in the world we live in, it would be contributed to science, but really it was because of his disobedience and evil towards God’s children, thankfully Acts denotes that. God has power over everything from the escape of Peter to the death of Herod to my mundane tasks at work. It is for His glory.
Amen
GM ladies – v5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently for him. As soon as I read this, I thought of our prodigals and our commitment to pray for them collectively. They are in “prison”, but as stated in the devo, “earthly power and influence are nothing compared to the powerful prayers of God’s people”. I pray for chains to be removed and for us to be “amazed” when we hear of those we are praying for “knock on the door.” I have decided to post the list each Monday here on SRT and if there are any praise reports or added names, they can be posted int he comments under my post.
Please pray that Chela would soften to the idea of accepting help. For so many years, we always thought she had generalized anxiety disorder. But now we are certain it is OCD – more on the thought side than the compulsion side. She just can’t shut her brain down. I hate that we missed this but I always thought OCD was checking things and being super neat. Anyway, we had a consult with someone from NOCD, got a ton of education and guidance on how to respond to her, support her (like with our ADHD class) and we think this young woman would be the perfect fit for Chela. But now Chela has to agree! And we need wisdom on how to proceed with her bc she is beyond stubborn and resistant. BUT GOD can break those chains – we certainly can’t! Thank you ladies!
Tami, I love that yours was the first comment I read this morning and was so similar to what I was going to say to you. I highlighted that they prayed earned for Peter and thought about doing the same for the prodigals of all the Shes. May God hear our prayers and break the chains as he did to set Peter free.
Praying for Chela to be open to talking with this woman, for salvation and healing overall.
Thank you for posting the prodigals list on SRT weekly – those of us who don’t use social media appreciate this plan!
as someone who was diagnosed with OCD in first grade, the fact you are trying to understand and get her help is amazing. i told my mom what was happening in my thoughts and behaviors and she took me to talk to someone immediately. i know not every situation is like that. but maybe she didn’t know how to articulate her thought patterns, or the fact that OCD is mainly portrayed as those behaviors you were talking about – this is not your fault! you are doing the work to help support her, and that is all you can do.
Yes! Me too. I was just diagnosed at 25 years old and all of a sudden things made sense! I love that Tami is seeking to help Chela, you have no idea how much that means to her and is impacting her forever!
I am so glad you were able to articulate. She couldn’t until just recently, and again we chalked it up to GAD initially. Thank you for the kind words:)
Hi Taylor, so good to see you hear! Thanks for sharing your experience! Maybe that is something you could help moms/kids navigate!
Darby- crazy, but oh how awesome when things make sense finally!!
Tami, i’m praying in agreement with you and others. I pray that the Lord would break the chains of our prodigals and that they would turn to him.
Thank you for the list that you are doing.❤️
Thank you Tami for being so diligent concerning all of our prodigals!
.
Continued prayers for Chela and for you. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you, the mom. But praise God you’ve got some answers, praying Chela will agree to seeing this specialist. ❤️
I get that reaction for needed help… I was dx’d with ADHD a couple of years ago and I struggled with the pharmaceutical help. I’ve said it on here before but will say again – what helped shift my perspective some was my husband asking me, if I were in an accident and my legs amputated, would I choose to stay that way or would I go through the work of receiving prosthetics to help? They will never be the same as legs, I’ll still have struggles and hard moments — but I’d be able to walk. Go up and down stairs. Have greater independence than going without them. … IDK, it just helped me relax a little and see them as more of a supplement to help me be “me”, versus allowing my lack of appropriate chemical production and reception in my brain to force me to be a person I was always at odds with. Sadly the “stubborn and resistant” are directly related to her diagnosis… I hope her eyes can open to the hope of a better way of living. But, truthfully, I struggle with this for my 11 year old as well because (like his mom) he doesn’t like having to “depend” on something, even when he sees how much it helps support him… Be encouraged that you and Chela are not at all alone… :)
Tami, did you see my comment?! I shared the song Break Every Chain! ❤
Agreeing in prayer and for God to give you just the right words to sway Chela. ❤
Praying for Chela and all of you!
Praise God. Amen
Amen❤️
Now one of the 12 had been killed. Did John, his brother, recall Jesus’ words that they would drink from the same cup that He did (Mk 10:36-38)?
.
James martyred; Peter saved. God’s grace for both, yet a mystery until all things are known in eternity.
.
Sitting with the “whys” of this life trains us to trust God for sure!
.
Praying for your requests.
Yes ❤️ “ Sitting with the “whys” of this life trains us to trust God for sure!”
“Sitting with the “whys” of this life trains us to trust God for sure!” – So true, God’s “training exercises”!
Well said, Kelly! One of the commentaries referred to the passage in Matthew 20:20-28 where the mother of James and John asks a favor of Jesus. As I read it I found it even more chilling/sobering in context!
❤
Goodness, what a thought. :(
Amen!
I love all the miracles in this story: ‘chains fall off’, they walk by at least two guards without them knowing (some who lose their life because of Herod’s pride), and the gates open ‘of their own accord’!! Won’t that be an awesome scene to replay in heaven!
Father, help us to remember Your power is unstoppable and Your plans will not be thwarted!
Amen! ❤️
I got so excited about the title as I remembered my visit from an angel!
.
Then, as I read on, and ABBY talked about giving God the glory, I was reminded of my granddaughter, the baker, and the day she called me to come and help her make a cake for an uncle who wasn’t well.
Sweet girl.
When I arrived at the house, she had already set up all she needed to make the cake. I asked which she wanted to make, she said, let me see, and proceeded to open her trusted IPad. She chose one and I was asked to read out the ingredients and quantities..
8 oz of butter, the whole block went in, I said that was too much, she said.”it will be alright”
8 oz of flour, she went over the amount, I mentioned this to the response, “it will be alright.”
8 oz of sugar, she poured and again poured far too much into the bowl, I was now beginning to get cross, because her response when I mentioned it was, you guessed it, “it will be alright” !
By the time we reached the last ingredients, I was exhausted, I told her parents I could not go on as she was not listening to me when I suggested she cut the butter into little pieces so it would mix better, she said, “it will be alright,” as the block of butter banged against the side of the mixer making a thumping noise as it did..
Long story short. Cake was mixed, baked and delivered to the recipient. I called later on to find out how it turned out, and was told the recipient said it was the best cake ever, and definitely much better than his wifes.
I then asked why she had bothered asking me to come and help if she was not going to listen to me.
My good hearted, beautiful, self sufficient granddaughter, replied.
” I couldn’t let you help me because if you did I would have to share the glory and I wanted it all! ”
What could I say!!
Seriously, out of the mouths of babes!!
By the way, she was probably aged 8/9!
.
BUT GOD..
.
Thankfully, grows us to a place where we understand that actually, it is not always about human glory, and that we do not need to do things for gain or recognition, but from the heart and for HIS glory.
We can chase glory, all we want but, it will never be enough because we can never reach the true meaning of glory! There is only One that can and has and will always be glorified.
The hymn, Thine be the glory, comes to mind..
.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won;
angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay.
Refrain:
Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son,
Endless is the vict’ry, thou o’er death hast won.
Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
Lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;
let the Church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing;
for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting.
.
No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life;
life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife;
make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love:
bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above.
Thine be the glory… Always. Amen.
.
Lord, make me a willing vessel today.. For YOUR glory..
.
Amen.
.
Happy Thursday, my peeps, covered in much love and hugs..❤
GM Tina – what a cute story! But now you have to tell us the story of the angel visiting you!
Too true!!
❤️
❤️
Sweet Tina….haha…I remember this story. Felt good to laugh this morning! Shh…..my daughter who is now 20 (Jan 12) can still be like this sometimes. I will add she’s become a great baker! Oh…the laughs of we get in this life! I love it!
I remember you telling the story too – yes, out of the mouth of babes!
‘
I love this song! Thanks for the reminder of it.❤️
Yes, I remember that story, too, and it fits perfectly today! Thanks for sharing, Tina! ❤
❤️