Sermon # 50 - Prayer And God's Timing Series

For today’s meditation let us read, Acts 10:19-20, Peter was still trying to understand what the vision meant, when the Spirit said, "Listen! Three men are here looking for you. So get ready and go down, and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." (GNB)

We are going to study how the Lord answers our prayers at the right time. Our God always sends us help at the appropriate time.

A devout man of God

In Acts 10:1-2, we read thus about a man named Cornelius: “There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called "The Italian Regiment." He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God.” (GNB)

The bible talks about the place a person hailed from, their profession, and position to let us know that all of the records in the bible are historical facts. Cornelius was a man who was the captain in the Roman army regiment, and he had a hundred soldiers under his command. He and his entire family were godly, and he was one who gave much alms to the poor, and spent much of his time in prayer. We see that Cornelius had a great testimony amongst his people. However, as we read Acts 10 we realize that God wanted to move Cornelius to a higher level in his walk with God.

There are many people like Cornelius, who lead good lives, help others and are devoted to God. However, that is just not enough. God wants us to draw closer to Him, have a personal relationship with Him, which is just what God did in the life of Cornelius.

God took note

We read in Acts 10:3-6, It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius!” He stared at the angel in fear and said, “What is it, sir?” The angel answered, “God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you. And now send some men to Joppa for a certain man whose full name is Simon Peter. He is a guest in the home of a tanner of leather named Simon, who lives by the sea.”

The angel of the Lord told Cornelius that all of his prayers and alms had been brought up to God as a memorial before Him. God gives detailed instruction as to how Cornelius was to contact Simon Peter, and invite him over to his house. Simon Peter was at that time residing in the house of Simon who was a tanner, whose house was by the seaside at Joppa. The Lord wanted Cornelius to grow in his understanding of who Jesus was, and in order for him to be taught, He had prepared Simon Peter to come over to meet Cornelius and his family.

Every time we pray and extend help to others it is being noted by God. Oftentimes, when we help others, they may disregard it. Also, when we pray people may slight us, and may think of us as being foolish. Remember that we have a God who cannot be seen with our physical eyes, but He is mindful of all that we do.

The vision and the visitors

As Peter tarried in prayer in the house of Simon the tanner, he saw a vision.

We read in Acts 10:17-18, While Peter was wondering about the meaning of this vision, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was, and they were now standing in front of the gate. They called out and asked, “Is there a guest here by the name of Simon Peter?” (GNB)

Simon Peter was so confused about the vision he had seen, when the men who were sent by Cornelius landed up at the house of Simon the tanner, where Simon Peter stayed. Remember that while Cornelius lived in Caesarea, Peter was at Joppa. Notice how God planned it so perfectly that the timing of the men from Cornelius arriving at Simon’s house was in sync with the time when Simon Peter had the vision. God told Simon Peter that he could boldly go with these men as they were sent by God Himself. When we read this account it is amazing to see how God united two men, who were praying individually in different places.

Children of God, we must keep in mind that there is definite reward for all of our prayers. Prayers are an indicator as to the extent to which we are dependent on God. Often we find no time to pray which implies that we are trying to do things in our own strength. If we do so, we will not be able to accomplish much, and we may also miss out on doing the will of God. Let us ask God to help us to commit everything to Him in prayer. Our prayers are a sign that we are totally trusting God, and not depending on our own strength. When we seek God for everything, we will find that God will bring the right people and unite them with us, which will help us grow in our intimacy with the Lord. So often, when we don’t pray we get associated with the wrong people who lead us away from the Lord. As children of God, let us learn to pray continuously to the Lord, and He will lead us in the right path.