Tuesday 11, August 2026

Before situations arise, some of us yearn for miracles. I know I certainly did and still do. But, we might have forgotten that often, God’s miracles are preceded by trials, which aren’t fun. Although our miracle story may not be as action-packed as that of the early church, there’s still a lot for us to learn from them. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts 5:19-20 CEVDCI

[19] But that night an angel from the Lord opened the doors of the jail and led the apostles out. The angel said,

[20] “Go to the temple and tell the people everything about this new life.”

Miraculous Jailbreak

What a story that must have been for their families! No matter what they faced, the early believers who’d had that jailbreak experience KNEW that God came through for them. They had the privilege of reminiscing about that angelic jailbreak. I can only imagine the conversations they must have had about it. Especially having been given permission to do so by the angels who released them! I can only imagine the impact it had on the those gathered in the temple. Word would also have gotten out to some of the regular Jews … what a testimony.

Self-Check

Siblings, There are many songs and books written about God’s provision in adversity. Have we shared our own testimony with others recently?

Deeper Dive

We may wonder about the people’s reaction to the angel’s appearance. It wasn’t a regular occurrence. But, they experienced for themselves God’s provision in ways far greater than they had hoped for or imagined (see Ephesians 3:20). It wasn’t exactly what they had prayed for. They asked for boldness, and got boldness plus a jailbreak! Now that’s a new life to write home about.

Siblings, I suspect that the only reason the angel had to offer extra instructions related to them going to the temple instead of home. In their elation, they might not have gone back to the temple. And they were asked to share about new life in Christ, possibly through the jailbreak experience.

It might not be immediately evident, but each of us has our own story of God’s provision and/or intervention. Our jail could be a ‘sticky’ situation with our finances, at school or at work; it could be illness, death, or a direct result of someone’s jealousy. The angel may look like a neighbour or a friend, a family member or a foe. What matters is that God came through. The breakthrough might not be as dramatic or what we expected. Sometimes the answer to our prayer isn’t positive. But the answer carries a testimony, an opportunity to tell someone somewhere about Christ.

Beyond the marvel of the jailbreak is for me the clear lesson: when God makes a way for us, we ought to share with others. Our miraculous ‘jailbreak’ may be the motivation someone else needs to increase their faith, transform their lives and keep them going. Let us resolve to tell somebody about what God has done for us.

Point to Ponder

Had we been the source of another person’s release, how would we wish them to express their gratitude? Do we willingly share with others ways in which God has come through for us?

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May all we seek be found in Christ