963) I have known someone who has worked in the prison system of a large city. He has told me, often with tears in his eyes, that there is no more demoralizing and horror-filled places than it is within these walls. This is not a place where prisoners are calmly going through their days with the internet, all the food they want and air conditioning. Every day is a question of whether a person will survive it.

In Acts 12:1-19, we read of a prison where Peter finds himself. Herod ordered the warden to chain him between two guards, knowing that as soon as the Feast of the Passover ends, Herod will put him to death. But this is not what happens. Because of the prayers of the church and God’s ultimate plan, he delivers Peter from jail, and he can continue the work for God.

It’s good to be reminded that God delivers people from the prisons they are in. There are no circumstances that are too difficult for God to bring his people out of. If you find yourself in a prison, even one of your own making, God is the deliverer. Call out to him. He’s always concerned about you.