GOD is ALWAYS with US –
Pastor Calvin Cook
“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell… and the chains fell off his hands.” — Acts 12:7
The question silenced everything around the crowded restaurant I was in when a person who is weaving between believing in Jesus and doubting if Jesus is real asked the question. “Do you believe God is always with us.?” The rest of the room might not have silenced, but in that moment, I heard nothing else, other than the Holy Spirit giving me the words to share. It seemed like hours, but in just a few seconds I responded. “I do believe God is always with us, we just don’t always respond to God’s presence, promise, and direction.” The questioner looked through me and said “Thanks, that was what I was afraid you would say.”
I have thought about this scenario since it happened, mulled it over in my mind. Last evening I was reading in Acts 12 about two very interesting situations which would answer the question “is God always with us?”
The first: Peter sat chained between soldiers, more than 16 stationed to guard on every side, with no way of escape. In that dark, desperate place, God showed up in the form of an Angel. God illuminated the darkness. When God appeared through this Angel, chains fell, and doors opened. Peter walked out free—not because of his strength or cleverness, but because God was present with him in the prison.
Earlier in the chapter, James faced a different ending. His life was taken, yet he was not abandoned. The same God who sent an angel to Peter was with James too, guiding him through the valley of the shadow of death.
I don’t know how many times I have read Acts 12, but last night as I read it, it really spoke a powerful truth: whatever we are in the midst of, God is with us. Sometimes He breaks the chains and leads us out. Other times, He gives us courage and peace to endure by submitting to that good and perfect will. Either way, His presence is the unshakable promise.
Going back to the restaurant a few weeks back. When my friend responded “I was afraid you would say that” has continued to cause me to think. Are we afraid of God’s presence, even when it brings freedom, hope, a better feeling. Are we afraid to submit to God’s will. It is more than just recognizing God when we are in trouble but also allowing that presence and then responding by listening, following, allowing God’s presence to overtake the situation, bringing light into darkness, peace into fear, and the hopeful assurance of God’s presence in at all times. But I stress —– we have to respond !
Today I’m praying that whatever is oppressing me and you and all of us, that God has showed up through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and is breaking every chain, quieting every enemy and allowing an escape to the place that is safety in the arms, heart, and atmosphere of the God who loves us, died for us, and is our comforter.
Prayer : Lord, thank You that You are with me in the midst of whatever I face. Whether You break my chains or ask me to walk faithfully through them, I know I am not alone. Guide my steps, fill me with Your peace, and remind me that Your presence is my greatest freedom. Amen.
Thoughts from the Edges 
Leave a comment