Walk Into Freedom

So [Peter] followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real. // Acts 12:9 

Chained, sandwiched between guards, locked in a cell guarded by more guards at the door, Peter’s situation looked grim. By normal human efforts, it would be next to impossible to peacefully walk away to freedom.

Yet that is precisely what Peter did. He walked away from his chains and right out into freedom (see Acts 12:1-11).  

Surely it was a miracle; we know from Acts that an angel of God helped Peter. As I read the story again, I’m marveling about another miracle I find: that Peter followed the angel without question.

Without proof, understanding, or hesitation Peter obeyed the angel’s words. Imagine if he picked the chains back up, spoke to the angel, or doubted the angel. I wonder if Peter would have been free had he doubted or hesitated.

I’ve been thinking about the weight of Peter’s chains (I’ve seen them in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains in Rome; they appeared quite heavy), how he let the angel lead him to freedom, and the great faith Peter demonstrated. My thoughts turn inward, and I consider the things that weigh me down as chains do. I wonder about how God is already at work freeing me from these chains—the fears, worries, and sins in my life—that keep me from living and loving fully. 

My life has room for greater trust in God’s plan, a trust and faith that exceeds understanding. I want to walk in faith and freedom as Peter did, even when I don’t understand how God is at work.

Sister, if you, too, feel the weight of chains in your life, trust that God is already making a way for you to live in greater freedom. Jesus already conquered sin; we have only to trust and follow Him. 

Let us pray for each other, and step boldly each day into life with Christ. Saint Peter, pray for our faith and trust to increase! Guardian Angels, guide us and guard us!