Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ Who Stops at Human Cries        

Acts 12: 5 – 16 
Devotion
This scripture portion sets a scene where the church is earnestly praying in tears for a fellow brother “Peter”.  At the same time, God is at work in the prison where Peter was held captive, getting ready for trial the following day. 
In this scene, Peter is jolted from his sleep and when he opens his eyes, he sees a bright light in the prison and an Angel of the Lord. He is lead out of the prison by this angel, his chains fall off, he walks past two prison guards and the iron gate that was locking him in,  miraculously opens when he reaches it. 
It was only natural that Peter felt it was all unreal and could not believe what was happening to him. He initially thought he was having a vision. It took him some time to come to himself, to know how miraculously God had worked.
In the same portion, it also talks about, how the church, who was earnestly praying for him were in compete disbelief, when their prayer was answered. Peter had been knocking on the door for a while before the church opened its doors.  They Initially judged the servant girl who had heard Peters voice and the knock on the door, saying she was out of her mind. Some even said she might have seen his angel. 
I would like to draw a parallel from this scripture passage to our personal lives. Are there situations in our lives where we have been earnestly praying in tears, where only Gods miraculous hand can change the situation ? Is there a someone you’ve been praying for who is oblivious of your prayers, and you are waiting for God to work in their lives ? 
I would like you to take to heart, this passage, where Gods amazing character is revealed. He is moved by the tears and earnest prayers  of His people. We only need to have faith and open the doors of our mind and heart to see him at work. Also, when our prayers are answered our reaction should not be one of surprise, but one of thankfulness. 
I’d like to end this devotion with a humble prayer, 
 
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, 
Thank you that you  love us so much that you heed to the earnest and deepest cries of your people. Give us the Grace to see your hand at work in everyone of these situations. Open our eyes, heart and mind to know your amazing character. Help us to live in thankfulness rather than in surprise of Your love for us. 
In Jesus name we pray. 
Amen. 
Veena Thomas
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island

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