Women of Faith

When [Rhoda] knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so – Acts 12:14-15

It is no accident that Rhoda is mentioned by name in this exciting account of Peter's miraculous escape from prison.

One of Luke's obvious objectives in narrating this event is to show, not only the power of God in delivering one of His apostles from certain death, but also the fact that this power was unleashed because of the faithful prayers of the saints on his behalf.

And, among all of those in the church who met together in constant prayer for Peter, there is one girl who stands out in Luke's story. Her name is Rhoda and she was probably a servant, one of the last people you would have noticed or been impressed with had you been present at the prayer meeting.

But Luke is impressed enough to mention her, because she is the only person participating in the prayer vigil who actually believed that God could answer their prayers! When she recognizes Peter's voice—and the answer to their prayers—she runs immediately to share the good news with the others.

Her joyful announcement, however, is met with an unexpected response: total disbelief. But Rhoda does not give in; she constantly affirms that God has graciously answered their prayers.

You, like Rhoda, may find yourself faced with the challenge of unbelieving believers. People who try to shrink your faith because of their own diminutive, sickly system of belief. But go forward in the constant, affirming faith that trusts in a God that does the impossible, that answers unbelievable prayers.