So, let's start here.
"Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church." - Acts 12:5
How this relates to our lives: The church = all of the people that have prayed for my through my 12 years of depression; family, friends, my church, etc. People prayed for this man, and we all know how God works when we pray in groups! In fact, lets check out what happens next!
"Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands." - Acts 12:7
How this relates to our lives: The chains (along with the cell and gate that will be mentioned in future verses) represent my depression and anxiety. For you, they may represent something else holding you down, such as any type of addiction or thing that is preventing you from fully committing to God. Now, I don't know about you, but if an angel appears to me and tells me to get up, and my chains fall away, I am going to listen! For me, this was the moment when Aimee yelled, "You are healed!" My chains fell to the ground at that moment, and I was healed. So the angel can easily be represented in your life as a friend or relative, sometimes even a complete stranger! Keep an eye out for your angel!
"Then the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals"; and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on your garments and follow me." - Acts 12:8
How this relates to our lives: This is where obeying comes in. When I was told that I was healed I had to believe it and pursue it. I couldn't just stand there and do nothing. If Peter hadn't followed that angel, he would have just remained in that cell, probably for the rest of his life! To me, this is where "doing our part" comes in. This is where faith comes into play.
"So he went out and followed him, and did not know what was done by the angel, but thought he was seeing a vision." - Acts 12:9
How this relates to our lives: This basically just connects to the faith I mentioned in the last verse. He followed the angel, doing what he was told, and he didn't even think at the time that it was going to get him anywhere. He thought he was dreaming, but he chose to obey. This sounds like blind faith to me! I also think that a lot of times we think that good things are merely "visions" or "glimpses" in our life, that they couldn't last. This happens to me a LOT, but I have to keep going with the flow, not being complacent just because it may be hard to believe it is real.
"When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him." - Acts 12:10
How this relates to our lives: Once again, the gates (like the cell and chains) represent something that was holding Peter back. They represent my depression. The chains were holding you down, but the gate was there just in case the chains didn't hold. The gate seems like the hardest part to get through, but we can! You can get through that gate of addiction, depression, or whatever is plaguing you...you just have to allow God to open it for you!
"And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people." - Acts 12:11
How this relates to our lives: Faith!! He realized that it had all been real. It reminds me of going from being blind to being able to see. He had no idea what was going on, and then God showed him. I once was blind, but now I see!! He was freed, to boot! He was now free, and this is where choices come into play. What are you going to do with the freedom that God gave you? Let's not waste it, okay? Let's use that freedom to better the Kingdom of the Lord!!
"...And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and the brethren."..." - Acts 12:17
How this relates to our lives: He shared what had happened with others. For me, this is the testimony of sorts. I have told SO many people what happened to me one month ago today. Are you sharing your faith? Even if you don't know how to evangelize just yet (I know I don't!) you can share your own story!
"Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died." - Acts 12:23
How this relates to our lives: Herod was the enemy here. So basically this tells me that the enemy cannot win. Whether that enemy be the addiction or the enemy as in Satan. Either way, the enemy CANNOT win!! How comforting is that? No matter what we go through in life, God will defeat the enemy! God will ALWAYS win! I don't know about you, but to me this is SO comforting! Don't ever let the devil get the best of you.
"But the Word of God grew and multiplied." - Acts 12:24
How this relates to our lives: Have you been healed? Have you found the peace that exists only within our Lord? If so, it is time to go and spread it around!! We CAN help the Word of God multiply! Remember that feeling of peace and comfort and joy that you felt the first time you truly let God in? Well, don't keep that feeling to yourself! Go and share it, go and help other people feel it, too!
So, this was my first post and I am very interested in feedback. I would love to hear other points of view and also any suggestions on my layout (love it? hate it? let me know!). Thank you for reading and GOD BLESS!!! <3
A song that played as I posted, and it is SO fitting! Enjoy:
30 Day Challenge: Day 3
