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Maybe today you are in a very difficult circumstance that you can't see your way out of. If you are feeling frustrated or discouraged, be assured that God is willing and able to set you free. In ACTS 12:1-11, Peter was used mightily by God to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles ('non-Jews'). Yet here he is in a dark prison at night, delivered to 16 soldiers (verse 4), facing a cruel death in the morning. All this for what he believed in. The difficulties we sometimes experience are not necessarily our fault. Often at these times we ponder if things could have been better if.....! Such pondering and guilt only serve to enforce the 'prison bars'. For the believer, God sometimes allows trials and difficulties to 'arrest' you for a set period of time. Ultimately God uses these situations to demonstrate His love and power, not only to you, but to others around you. Constant prayer was offered to God for Peter by the church (verse 5). It is a source of comfort and strength to know that someone is concerned about you during your hard times. Maybe Peter wasn't aware of the church's prayers; however the impact of them was just as powerful. Jesus Himself made the greatest intercession of all for in that He died for our sins. He is now praying to God the Father for those who would accept Him. I was a prisoner of sin. I thank the Lord Jesus that He made the way of escape! How could Peter sleep in a desperate situation like this (verse 6)? He was chained up and awaiting execution in the morning! Peter was confident in God. Are you able to 'sleep' through the difficult times in your life? Or are you worrying, and indulging in self pity? Peter's sleep indicated the peace, strength and comfort he received by having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Notice that Peter was bound to people - in this case the soldiers. The prison was reinforced by soldiers - at the doors. You may not be physically chained to anyone, but are there any relationships in your life that confine you to your struggle in the same way the soldiers confined Peter? Are you chained to someone by sin, or jealousy, unforgiveness or the past? You may be innocent, but any chain must be broken (verse 7). The Lord is a deliverer. He sends an angel to rescue Peter. The angel stands by him and a light shone in the prison (verse 7). The angel was able to stand by Peter although there were soldiers so near. Jesus is able stand by you too. When you are in the midst of despair, He can be right there for you, to encourage and strengthen you. He is also able to give you hope in the darkest situation. When you can't see where the next meal is coming from, or you are not sure if you can face another day, He can give you a ray of hope. The angel prepared Peter (verse 8), telling him to put on his clothes and shoes. Before God will move on our behalf, we must be in a state of readiness to move with Him. For example, before God gives you the job you desperately need, He may guide and teach you how to use money properly. God proves Himself sovereign over all situations. The prison that seemed so heavily guarded and secure is made to look like a joke! The angel leads Peter easily past the guards. Even the gates opened to them of its own accord. Even Peter wasn't fully aware of his deliverance. God is able to work similarly in your life. He can speedily move you around the obstacles in your way and open doors of opportunity. Often, it's only after you have overcome, that you realize and appreciate what God has done for you. He can set you free today. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Personal Saviour, then I encourage you to accept Him. He loves you.