When God Wakes Us in the Prison

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 Acts 12:7 (NIV)

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Peter was sleeping so deeply in prison that the angel had to strike him to wake him up and lead him out. I’ve often heard this described as a sign of Peter’s great trust—how else could someone sleep so soundly on the night before a trial? And that may be true. But today, as I read Acts 12, I saw something different.

Peter wasn’t just resting peacefully. He was imprisoned. Likely unfairly. And not because he had done something wrong, but because he was faithfully doing the work God had called him to do. If I were in his place, I imagine discouragement would have been close at hand. Why am I here if I was obeying you? Why did you allow this when I was serving you?

That question feels uncomfortably familiar.

There was a season in my life when I was teaching in a Christian school, believing I was exactly where God wanted me. Over time, that place began to feel like a prison—students who were disrespectful, parents who defended their children no matter what, and an administration unwilling to discipline or support. As I faced the possibility of losing my job, I found myself angry and confused. I didn’t even know how to talk to God anymore.

Looking back, I realize I wasn’t actively rebelling—I was asleep. Spiritually numb. Exhausted by frustration and disappointment. Unable to see a way forward or imagine deliverance.

That’s why the detail in Acts 12 stood out to me: the angel struck Peter to wake him up. Not a gentle nudge. A jolt. Peter was so deeply asleep that it took a physical shaking to bring him to awareness—even as God was already at work freeing him.

Sometimes our discouragement puts us into that same kind of spiritual sleep. When obedience still leads to pain, when faithfulness lands us in confinement, our hearts can shut down. We stop praying not because we don’t believe, but because we’re too hurt or confused to know what to say. And in that state, it may take a great shaking—an interruption, a moment of clarity, or even crisis—to wake us up to the deliverance God is already unfolding.

What comforts me most is that God didn’t wait for Peter to wake himself up. He didn’t wait for perfect faith or eloquent prayers. He entered the prison, woke him, loosened the chains, and led him out step by step.

Even when we are asleep in our frustration, God is still present. Still active. Still faithful.

Prayer
God, thank You that You come to me even when I am discouraged, numb, or unsure how to pray. Thank You for entering my prisons—especially the ones I didn’t expect to be in while serving You. When frustration or disappointment causes me to fall into spiritual sleep, gently wake me up. Help me to see where You are already at work and to trust You as You lead me forward, one step at a time. Amen.

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