Dead batteries

It’s only a glance, but it’s my habit, and I am a creature of habit. When my clock stops because of a dead battery, every glance is followed with the momentary thought How did it get so late? before I remember that clock is not working. The clock of this story is hung high up with a ladder required to change the battery. Whether it is a couple of hours or a couple of days before that battery is changed, I will continue to glance up and then have to remind myself to look elsewhere. I acknowledge it is such a minor thing, but it reminds of other battery issues …

Last week – detours. This week – dead batteries. Indicative of a bit of a theme for me these days with road trips and car troubles and device challenges. The Lord has been so gracious to me in this particular season which has been a little heavy on the side of the unexpected. Even when my challenges are not widely known, I do recognize I am being held up and prayed for by faithful persons. In the midst of kerfluffling circumstances, there is peace and assurance. And it always seems to work out, not always the way I thought it might, but there is always grace and mercy in the order and outcome of things.

In Acts 12 we read about the apostle Peter being imprisoned and very likely doomed to execution when he miraculously is rescued by an angel of the Lord …

Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” Acts 12.6-11

And then Peter went to the home where he knew many of his fellow believers (Christians) would be gathered together. He found his friends there, his church, and they had been praying for him earnestly – hands reached out, intensely praying for Peter.

… when they opened (the door), they saw him (Peter) and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place. Acts 12.16-17

When miraculously released from prison Peter went to those whom he knew would be praying. He had assurance he was being held up to the Lord for His mercy, His protection. And Peter was astounded at the way their prayers were being answered.

There are many things in our community to be praying fervently over … families and relationships, injuries, illnesses, dementia, devastating diagnoses, physical and emotional separations, concern for provision of home and utilities and necessities. In the midst of the seasons of the unexpected, there is the comfort and hope and reassurance as you allow yourself to consider … your church is praying to God for you earnestly.

I am grateful for every thoughtful message and every prayer of my church family. This is what recharges my internal batteries.

Trusting the Lord with you, Colleen

All Scripture is from English Standard Version (ESV) unless stated otherwise.