“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
Have you ever prayed for something so long and so hard, that when it finally showed up, it shocked you? It can definitely happen! I know in my own life, there’s been something near and dear to my heart that I’ve been praying about for a very long time, and as the answer finally showed up, it was a shock to my system. It all seemed so surreal as the “answer to my prayer” answered back.
The same thing happened to a young girl named Rhoda in Acts 12. The Church had come under great persecution and Peter had been taken prisoner. All seemed hopeless, and it appeared certain that Peter would meet his untimely death at the hands of the Roman government. Yet the “effectual, fervent prayers” of God’s people turned the situation around. As Peter was under lock and key with guards positioned all around him, the Angel of the Lord showed up, and Peter’s chains fell off. The Angel slapped Peter on the side to wake him and escorted him right out the front door.
Peter then made his way to the very home where church members were gathered together praying for him. He knocked on the door and Rhoda answered. Though they had been praying for him, she was so surprised at the sight of Peter that she slammed the door and ran to tell the others, leaving Peter on the outside with a slammed door in his face. LOL! Yes, it’s a funny thing to read, but what a shock it must have been to all who were there that night. I’m sure they all probably laughed about it later.
Do you believe that the thing you are earnestly praying for can suddenly show up? Well, it can! Today be reminded to keep on praying, asking and seeking the Father for those things that are near and dear to your heart and don’t be surprised if your answered prayer comes knocking.