Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. – Acts 12:6

Have you ever felt so bound by your circumstances that you thought you would never be released? Without a doubt, from a human standpoint, Peter’s situation seemed impossible. However, from God’s perspective, nothing was further from the truth. Peter’s adversity was an opportunity for God to display His awesome power.

While the church was praying for his release, Peter was resting. In fact, he was asleep. Most of us would have been awake, anxiously watching the door and wondering what was going to happen next. But not Peter. He was confident because he was in the center of God’s will.

Life is not void of trouble and heartache. Sometimes God’s plan for us includes difficulty. When trouble strikes and you feel as though your world is falling apart, do you have the same type of faith Peter had? Many of us don’t.

We may start out thinking, “Now Lord, You know my needs. Please help me.” However, when time drags on and the door to freedom remains closed, we begin to wonder what has happened to God. Has He left the scene? The answer is no. He is right where He always is—beside you, with you, and living out His life through you.

Peter wasn’t worried about tomorrow because his eyes were set on Christ. Being handcuffed to Peter was probably similar to being chained to the apostle Paul. We can imagine that at every opportunity, those who were guarding him heard about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

“The Lord is not slow about fulfilling His promise” (2 Peter 3:9). What may seem like forever to you is not even a moment to God, who is infinite and eternal. Peter’s amazing release came at just the right time—in the middle of the night.

Check out more from Tony Evans @TonyEvans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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