This New Life

 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

— Acts 5:18-20

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

The apostles were persecuted, arrested, and jailed for preaching in the name of Jesus. But God was so committed to His purpose of seeing the good news of Jesus spread, that He sent an angel of the Lord to open the doors of the jail and bring the apostles out. This wouldn't be the only time this would happen! The angel directed the apostles to "Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people all about this new life."

The obstacles and hindrances of man are no match for the Lord when He has a purpose He wants to fulfill. That is true for me. Gracious Lord, you have called me to tell the people of my community all about this new life that is available in you. Whatever obstacles or hindrances I presently see in the way of fulfilling that call are frankly no big deal to you! Not even prison doors can keep your Gospel shut out of people's lives! The plans and purpose you have for me will unfold as you desire, even if they require an angel of the Lord to pay a special visit. I don't have to worry about how it will get done. That's up to you. I only need to stay surrendered, be humble, available, faithful, and obedient. Prison doors of all kinds will swing wide open as you bring me out to tell people all about this new life. 

Gracious Lord, today I ask boldly for you to open doors that appear shut. Take me out into the open where I can boldly proclaim what You have done and tell the people all about this new life in You!

— In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

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