Living Water #501

LIVING WATER EPISODE 501 || 18TH OCTOBER, 2025

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

WHEN DELIVERANCE DAWNS ON YOU

Text: Acts 12:11–12

“Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.’ When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.”

Have you ever experienced a moment when God rescued you so suddenly, so miraculously, that it took you a while to realize what had happened?
Peter was asleep in chains between two soldiers, guarded by sixteen men under Herod’s command. Death was near. Yet, in the darkest hour, God sent His angel, broke the chains, opened the gates, and set him free.

At first, Peter thought he was dreaming. But when the cold air of the night hit his face, and the prison was behind him, he came to himself — and realized it was not a dream but deliverance.

Beloved, this passage reminds us that God still rescues His people, and sometimes His deliverance comes so suddenly that we only understand it afterward.

1. God’s Deliverance is Real

When Peter came to himself, he declared, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me.” This was not imagination or coincidence — it was divine intervention. Peter had been chained, guarded, and condemned to die, yet the Lord broke through every barrier to set him free. God’s deliverance is not limited by the strength of our enemies or the walls that surround us. When He decides to act, no chain can hold, and no gate can remain shut. Like Peter, we must come to that moment of realization where we can say with confidence, “Now I know the Lord has rescued me.

2. God’s Timing is Perfect

Peter’s release came at the last possible moment — the night before his execution. To human reasoning, that was too late, but to divine wisdom, it was right on time. God may not always move when we expect Him to, but He never arrives late. His delays are not denials; they are preparations for greater glory. Sometimes He allows the situation to worsen so that when deliverance comes, it’s unmistakable that He alone deserves the praise. When you are waiting for your breakthrough, remember Peter’s story — God’s perfect timing always proves His faithfulness.

3. Prayer is the Key to Deliverance

While Peter was in prison, the church was not asleep, they were praying at the house of Mary. Their prayers ascended to heaven, and God responded by dispatching an angel. This shows the power of united, persistent intercession. When believers gather and pray in faith, heaven moves on their behalf. There is no prison, no chain, no decree of man that can withstand the prayers of the righteous. If we desire to see deliverance in our lives, our families, and our churches, we must return to the place of prayer — because prayer still opens prison doors.

4. Realization Leads to Testimony

After Peter realized what had happened, he went straight to the house where the believers were praying. He didn’t run to hide; he ran to testify. True deliverance must lead to thanksgiving and testimony, not silence or secrecy. Many of us experience God’s mercy but fail to return and give Him glory. Peter’s response teaches us that when the Lord rescues you, the right reaction is to join the fellowship of believers and proclaim His goodness. Your testimony strengthens others’ faith and reminds them that if God did it for you, He can do it for them too.

Peter’s story is more than history, it’s a pattern for every believer. God still delivers, He still answers prayer, and He still works at the right time. No prison is too dark, no chain too heavy, and no situation too late for the Lord to turn around. When deliverance dawns on you, remember to give Him glory, stay connected to the house of prayer, and strengthen others with your testimony.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for being our Deliverer. Thank You for the times You have set us free, even before we understood it. Help us to trust Your timing, remain steadfast in prayer, and testify boldly of Your goodness. Let every chain be broken and every captive experience Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.