Can this be really happening?

Read the story of Peter in prison.

Peter awakens in the middle of the night and discovers that he has been suddenly freed from what had previously been a certain and grim future. All of the players in the scene knew (supposedly) exactly what was going to happen...and when...and how. We are told that behind the scenes the community of faith uttered fervent and unceasing prayers, holding Peter before God during his imprisonment. Therein lies great power!

We can imagine the thoughts careening through Peter's mind as he fell into a troubled sleep that night (if he slept at all!) Two guards were his bedfellows...he was in chains...tomorrow would bring his death... and he awakens to find that he is being given the path to life...to release from all that binds him. And he doesn't understand the reality of the freedom given to him...at least not initially.

What do you think about that? How many times do you hesitate to believe that a path leading you from this or that prison of habit or doubt is "really happening"? Even in the midst of fervent prayers about a trial you face, do you, like Peter, think that sudden shifts of possibility are mere visions that will dissolve like morning mist? When you are led to the threshold of hope's freedom do you follow the dream or do you settle back to what you had expected?

There are times in all our lives when circumstances emerge that we deem unexpected, sudden, even mysterious. We may not typically view these as divine intervention, but ... why not? After all, we are told many, many times that the Holy Spirit utters prayers on our behalf...and that God's mercy and grace lavishes us with forgiveness...and freedom.

In the darkness of your life there may be a light shining. What might happen if you get up and follow?