God’s Presence In Us

Acts 12: 6-11

“6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

Has anyone ever told you to fasten your seat belt?  It usually means that something wild or chaotic is about to happen.  

The Angel that rescued Peter told him to “fasten his belt and put on his sandals.”  Something wild was about to happen and Peter could not believe his eyes.  The chains fell off his wrists, and he was led outside.  Peter thought he was having a vision.  

Why is it that we have trouble believing that God is acting in our lives?  Our first instinct is to give credit to anyone or anything other than God.  Peter had a front row seat for miracles when he walked with Christ.  Why was it so hard for him to realize that God was acting on his behalf?

Many people today do not feel worthy of God’s love or attention and we quench His spirit because of this feeling of unworthiness.  

Christians should expect to feel and see evidence of God’s presence because we are indwelled by God’s spirit.  Because of this God will act in us, around us, and through us.  And we are worthy of this.

Always remember “you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst.” (1Corinthians 3:16) 

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)