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Rhoda – You can make a difference
Biola Latunde*
 Thestory of Rhoda is in Acts 12. Peter had been imprisoned and constant prayer was being offered by the church for him. While the church was praying, the Lord sent an angel to release him from prison. Peter arrived at the venue of the prayer meeting and stood knocking at the door but no one heard him except Rhoda - the maid. In her excitement, Rhoda didn't open the door but ran and told the others that Peter stood at the door. They did not believe her and when she insisted, they told her she was mad.
Although, Rhoda was just the maid, she refused to be intimidated. She was sure of what she had heard and stuck to her guns. She didn't let their doubts stop her excitement and enthusiasm. She effectively brought the prayer meeting to an end because the others saw that she was determined and meant every word she said. Can you just imagine the scene, the elders in the church with the anointed ones in a prayer meeting and what many of us refer to as a `nobody within the church' standing up to say that ‘ God has answered our prayers?' She is the kind of person we often look down upon and more vocal people in the church might wonder out loud, ‘why did God bypass us to talk to her?'
The issue here is that you should let no one despise you. Refuse to be intimidated. If you know that you know that it is God that has spoken to you, don ' t allow yourself to be brushed aside. In Rhoda's case, she knew with certainty that the answer to the prayer was at the door. She heard the knock, recognized Peter's voice and would not be persuaded otherwise.You may not have a title or the position but politely (with God ' s wisdom) insist on what message the Lord has laid on your heart. Peter didn't stop knocking. Rhoda effectively stopped the meeting so the room must have become quiet because everyone eventually heard the knock. . The Holy Spirit who has spoken to you will touch the hearts of some (if not all) around you if you do not give up. Had Rhoda given up, Peter could very well have spent the night on the door-step while the brethren prayed for his release all night. So, do not give up. Do not be weary in well doing for you will surely reap if you faint not. Believe that God can use you to make a difference so position yourself to hear from Him!
*Biola Latunde is currently the pastor of New Covenant Church at Gravesend. She also organises the 'Woman of Purpose' Conference every year.
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