Thou Art Mad?

Acts 12:15

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

It is interesting to note that while the brethren were conscientious and fervent to even bother to gather to pray (v. 5, 12), that in spite of the fact that they lived in the miraculous age, that it was not any ordinary person but the apostle Peter who was imprisoned, that they were still caught in unbelief and denial.

Makes us think what exactly were they praying for!

What is even more incredulous was that they could even suggest a much less plausible explanation of Peter's "angel" appearing. Where did they even get that idea?

Observe what James wrote:

Jam 1:6 — Jam 1:8

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Paul expressed the same sentiment

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Now quite obviously, we know that not everything we ask will be granted. Other than doubt, there are times we may ask amiss (Jam 4:3). But oftentimes, it is just because God knows better. Paul still had his "thorn in the flesh" (2Co 12:7-9). Even Jesus was not granted that "the cup pass from him" (Mat 26:38,39).

But to be surprised and even doubt that our prayers were answered reveals a state of immaturity. This mentality is similar to that of the apostles/disciples when they heard of Jesus' resurrection (cf. Luke 24:9-11). 

It remains for us to continually grow in our faith and ask in faith, i.e. according to His Will and with firm conviction, knowing that God hears, and God knows, and God cares that we will receive ultimate good from Him (1Pe 3:12).