Sleepy?

Acts 12:1-16 (Click on reference to read the Scripture text)

It is the night before your big trial and more than likely you will end up dead. What do you do? I don't know about you, but sleeping would not be high on my list. Praying, freaking out, trying to figure out a way to turn into MacGyver and escape using my trusty Swiss army knife, some shoelaces and maybe gum... but sleep?

Yet, this is exactly what we find Peter doing (vs.6-7). In time of crisis, when his life was literally at stake, Peter trusted God so much that he was at peace enough to sleep. He literally was able to grasp and understand John 16:33. He was not even sleeping lightly. The Bible says that the angel literally had to strike Peter in the side to wake him up (vs. 7).

Peter was at complete peace in God's will for His life and also His timing. Verse six states, "The night before Herod was to bring him to trial." God kept Peter in jail until the night before the trial. What a test of faith! God waited until the last moment to rescue Peter. God was not late. God's timing is not always our timing, but God's timing is always perfect (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see that when God came through, Peter did not question the angel or God. He simply acted in obedience and did what the angel told him to do. God provided the means of escape, but Peter had to get up and walk out, and in a timely manner. Has God provided deliverance for you, but you are too scared to stand up and get out? Are you dragging your feet? Delayed obedience IS disobedience!

I included these last few verses because they strike me as funny, yet extremely convicting. The saints were praying for Peter's rescue and deliverance, yet when he showed up at the door they didn't believe it was possible enough to immediately open the door (vs. 13-16). Do you pray to the Lord but not really believe He will answer? Are you actually surprised to see Him do the impossible? Pray in confidence and without a doubt (James 1:5-7), and while you're at it... get some sleep!