• See "TEENS – The Forgotten Generation in Single Parent Families" HERE
• See "Bonding with Family Fun" HERE

Rhoda, Open the Door!
Linda Ranson Jacobs

Have you ever prayed for something and couldn't believe it when your prayers were answered?

"Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, 'Peter is at the door!'" Acts 12:14 (NIV)

Have you ever prayed for something and then when it was answered in a miraculous way, you couldn't believe it?  You could say this is what happened to all the people who were praying at Mary's house. Peter was in prison and the people had gathered to pray for his safety.

While they were praying an angel of the Lord helped Peter escape. (Verses 9-11) When Peter showed up and knocked on the door, Rhoda, a servant girl, became so excited that she left Peter just standing outside the door. The very thing they had prayed for happened and they didn't believe it. Perhaps the people had a preconceived notion about how God was going to intervene. And all the while Peter was knocking on the door.

As a single parent when you feel beat down and frustrated it's hard sometimes to believe your prayers have been answered. We get so wrapped up in what we think we need that we miss opportunities God places before us. And sometime our kids, like Rhoda, see the miracle first and they realize the prayers have been answered. They get excited, try to tell us and we, as parents, question their excitement and belief. Or we think, "They're only kids, how can they understand the depth of this problem?" Don't discount what the Lord reveals to children.

There were many times in my single parent walk that I had to step back and admit the Lord was answering prayers but I wasn't able or ready to see it. If this happens to you, acknowledge and admit your lack of faith to God. He is a loving God and He will forgive you. Tell your children about your prayers. Rejoice and share with your children when your prayers have been answered. You'll be setting a powerful example of what God can do.

If you are like the people in this story and you question God's goodness in answering your prayers, then learn to accept miracles like little children. Get excited and believe in the power of prayer. Don't limit what God can do. And don't leave God standing outside like Rhoda did with Peter.

When you do experience doubt, be transparent with your children. Tell them about your lack of faith. Explain how the Lord worked in spite of what you thought or believed.

Imagine Peter saying, "Rhoda, open the door!" Now imagine God saying to you, "Single parent open the door and let me in! Let me into your heart and into your home."

Linda Ranson Jacobs
Healthy Loving Partnerships 4
Email:  Linda@hlp4.Com