In the early days of Christianity, King Herod had James, the brother of John, murdered. Herod got some political mileage out of that, so he next had Peter imprisoned.

The cruel king didn’t want Peter going anywhere. So in prison, he was bound with two chains, and made to sleep between two guards, while others guarded the door to his cell. Herod did all a man could do to keep Peter where he wanted him, but God had other plans. 

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. — Acts 12:7

When our cell is filled with a burst of light, it can take us a minute to wake up. That’s how it went for Peter. At first, he believed his freeing was only a dream.

He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

When God acts mightily in our lives, it can be confusing at first. His power can make nothing out of what would normally put an end to us. Peter was wise enough, at least, to go with the angel sent to rescue him. When God calls, we should simply answer with a yes, and get up quickly. He will take care of the rest.

Earthly chains can bind us tightly enough. But when God calls on us, those chains mean nothing at all. They merely fall off, and leave us free to serve him with diligence. 

Because sometimes, what seems unreal to us is actually God’s will for our lives unfolding.