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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

OPEN DOORS, Vol 8 No 31

August 18, 2009

Dear Friend,

Acts 12 tells the story of two people who faced very difficult situations. “About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.... Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’” Acts 12:1-7*

Peter was rescued in a miraculous way as the angel leads him out of prison. James was killed. You might ask why God rescued Peter but not James.

We have no idea.

What we do know is that there is a clear relationship between prayer and the work of God among us. However, our Lord is a sovereign God who often acts in ways differently from what we would do.

At the same time we see that God is a God of power and is very capable of opening a door. “Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.” Revelation 3:8

 For James, the open door was the door to heaven. For Peter, the open door was the door to further service.

Some of us live brief lives and others live a long time. We face different doors and situations in our lives. Every life is in the hand of our good and loving Lord. Entrust yourself to him and know his encouragement this day.

“Oh the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever.”
Romans 11:33; 36

With joy - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2009 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NRSV