Acts 12:12-19 NKJV

[12] So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. [13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. [14] When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness, she did not open the gate but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. [15] But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.” [16] Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. [17] But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place. [18] Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. [19] But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

Sometimes, we experience major events in our lives that deserve to be shared... monumental occurrences worthy of celebration. News of Peter’s newfound freedom from prison was one such event. I can imagine that Peter would be the first person ready to tell others about how God loosed his shackles and opened the prison gates. As excited as he and those who knew him was, he understood that there were certain people who would not be so keen on the victory.

God has done (and continues doing) some really amazing things for me and my family. I am more than willing to share these things at any given opportunity. What I have to remember is that some people are quick to pass judgment on things they do not understand. Jesus was my pathway to freedom. For an unbeliever, that information is preposterous and laughable. To them, I am just an addict who got lucky and ended up clean.

Peter's first stop was with a group of people who loved him and knew him well. He knew they would protect his freedom. I have these kinds of people in my life who loved me, kept me encouraged, and believed in me when I struggled with believing in myself. My victories were made possible by God. I get to celebrate them with my people... His people.