Unstoppable! 'Sleep Walking to Freedom' — Acts 12:9-10

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

— Acts 12:9-10 NLT

Key Thought

Peter was delivered by the angel step-by-step, leaving his cell, walking past the guard posts and the iron gate leading out to the city — since the gate opened by itself, and then getting to the street. There was a bright light, but only in the prison cell (Acts 12:7). No lightning with rumbles of thunder shook the earth. There were no tremors from an earthquake. For God, working deliverance for Peter was as simple as walking down the street. For Peter, it was a new experience that bordered on living out a dream — except this dream was real. Our God is the God of salvation, deliverance, and answered prayer (Acts 12:5)! Let's go to him and trust him and see him work deliverance in our day!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I believe that you are the Sovereign Lord of all things and all times and all peoples. So, dear Father, I ask you to act to show your might and grace in our world at this difficult time. We need your help, and we need to find you in the middle of our troubles. Make your grace and power known in our day, especially to those who do not yet know you as God. We ask this in Jesus' name, and for your glory, O God. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Daniel 9:19; Isaiah 45:4-8
  • Psalm 79:9-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 12:9-10 NLT — So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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