We read about the miraculous deliverance of Peter from the prison in Acts 12:11-19. Believers gathered in the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, to pray for the release of Peter. The answer for their prayer was at the door. Yes, Peter stood knocking at the door when they were raising their fervent prayers. Rhoda the servant girl recognized Peter’s voice and was overjoyed. Her excitement blinded her to the risk that surrounded Peter. She ran to the group of believers without opening the door exclaiming “Peter s at the door”. But she was branded as maniac because those who prayed did not believe that their prayers were answered by god. They told her, ‘you are out of your mind.’ This kind of unbelief is not peculiar to that group alone. We also ask for certain things not fully believing that god can answer our prayers. Even when Rhoda kept insisting that it was Peter they defended their unbelief stoically saying “it must be his angel” They were certain that Peter was dead. Every one of us needs to pray, “Lord, help my unbelief to go”. Faith is handicapped when unbelief steps in. While the believers find it hard to believe the servant girl seems to have great faith. Very often those who struggle with faint and feeble faith quench the faith of those who are not quite mature in their spirituality.

Rhoda’s faith is contrasted with the believers’ lack of faith. Sometimes people who are young and those who are not highly esteemed possess great faith. That’s why Jesus said that the first will be last and the last will be first.

When the believers opened the door and found Peter, they were astonished. Very often believers themselves are surprised when their prayers get answered.

Expect a miracle every day, Expect a miracle when you pray, If you expect it god will find a way, To perform the miracle for you each day.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh