RESTING IN THE LORD

“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.”  (Acts 12:6)

“Peter was in quite a predicament. So what was Peter doing the night before his trial while chained between two guards with another two sentries posted outside the door? He was sleeping! This is mind blowing to me. How could Peter be sleeping when his life was in jeopardy and he was in such a physically uncomfortable situation? He must not have been concerned in the least.

Several years ago in the late fall my wife Sherry, daughter Amanda, and I were driving to my sister's home. She lives in a small farming town just outside of Fresno, California. As the evening fell upon us we took the Kings Canyon exit off of Highway 99 only to find ourselves in fog so thick you could hardly see past the hood of the car. Couple this with a dark moonless night, on two lane roads without street lights, in an area we didn't know well, and we found ourselves in a somewhat difficult situation.

To make matters worse we missed a turn and got lost (we didn't have a navigation system at the time). If you have ever been in a dense fog with long roads and no street signs, let me tell you it is easier than I thought to lose your sense of direction. We ended up going the wrong way -- east instead of north. To make a long story short, it took hours, many dead ends, and several harrowing moments facing cars on the wrong side of the road before we finally found our way to civilization again -- a gas station -- and ultimately to our destination.

All the while Amanda slept peacefully in the backseat, uncomfortably slumped over in her car seat. How do kids sleep when their parents are going through such trying times? The answer, they know they are not in control and they are also fully confident and content in their parents care.

Peter knew his place. He knew he was not in control, and perhaps more important, he knew his heavenly Father was in complete control. Peter was fully confident and content in the Lord's care, so he slept. I want to have that kind of peace!

Questions to Ponder:

Amanda rested, she trusted her parents to see her to the safety of her destination (Aunt Nancy's home). Do you trust in the Lord's provision, protection, and will for your life? Why or why not? Do you truly believe the Lord is good and wants the best for you? Is there an upcoming event in your life that is causing you to lose sleep? What can you do today to demonstrate your trust in God's love?”

            “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”  (Ps. 116:7, NKJV)

              “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.”  (Is. 11:10, NKJV)

Pocket Devotions by Pocket Testament League www.ptl.org

Today’s 3rd truth: If you are “born again”, you are forgiven.  (Co.. 1:13,14)

Tonight’s post:  MAKING MY HEART SIT DOWN

Tomorrow’s post:  ONE BEAUTIFUL MOMENT