Yes, it's been a long time since I've written a real post (although I'm sure not many people noticed with such a long hiatus), but maybe I'll be able to make this a better habit.
As I was preparing for my Wednesday night youth lesson I suddenly became really convicted by the story I was studying [SPOILER ALERT: If you're one of my students you'll hear this again tomorrow night.] I guess even us pastors need our toes stepped on from time to time (everyday would probably be best).
Our youth group is currently studying through the book of Acts, and this week we are on Acts 12. This is the chapter where Peter is miraculously released from prison by an angel, only to be left stranded outside a house by an overexcited servant girl named Rhoda.
Luke tells us the Christians gathered in the house had been "praying." Almost certainly one of their top prayer concerns was Peter, one of the great leaders of the church who had just been arrested. So, it's strange that no one believes Rhoda when she tells them Peter is standing outside. They had been praying for God to help Peter. It seems odd to me...
But not that odd. As I think about it, that is what my prayer life looks like. I wonder if that house full of Jesus followers really believed that God would hear their prayers and take action. Perhaps they were just like me. All too often my prayers are rushed and shallow. Too many times I pray with that nasty little voice in my head whispering that my prayers are pointless. I throw empty words into the empty void between me and a far-off God and know that he won't do anything.
But then there is Rhoda, a simple servant girl. Whether she was praying herself or simply listening to the prayers of the house, she had her eyes (and ears) open to readily see what God was doing in response to those prayers. She didn't know what was coming, but she was ready. She recognized God's handiwork immediately.
Rhoda reminds me of the truth I easily forget--God is not distant, nor is He idle. When I pray, or sing, or, or work, I do so in the very presence of God. And as I speak, He hears me. And not only does He respond and take action, but He is already in action, moving through the halls of my house and the streets of my city. He may not answer in the way I want, but I must keep my eyes wide open and my ears ready because He will answer, and it will probably be with something better than I could have imagined. The question I must face is whether I will pray and live in anticipation that God will (and is) acting, or if I will blindly walk through life ignorant of the creating, sustaining Love that surrounds me. Make me a Rhoda.
