Bible Reading: Judges 8; Acts 12; Jeremiah 21; Mark 7
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Herod had already killed James and now he had Peter in jail. He was going to wait until after his pagan festival of Easter and then kill Peter. At least, that was his plan, but God had other plans! During his stay in prison, the church was constantly praying to God for Peter. There is always something we need to be in prayer about, but a brother who is awaiting execution for preaching the gospel is a heavy burden. The Bible says:
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Do you constantly turn your cares and anxieties to prayers? Do you take God at his word and boldly go to him in your time of need?
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
God heard the prayers of the church in Jerusalem and he sent an angel to remove the chains on Peter's hands and open the gates of the prison. When Peter was convinced that this was really happening and not just a vision, he went to John Mark's house. Many of the church were there praying for his release. A young girl went to the door and saw that Peter was outside. She went back and told them Peter was outside.
Acts 12:15-16 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
They were praying for Peter's release but when it happened, they were astonished! If God were to send and angel to answer your prayers, would you be astonished? What are you asking God for right now that is big enough for you to be astonished when he answers your prayer? Is it possible to be praying for something that you really don't think God is going to do? Would that be praying in faith?
James 1:6-7 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.
Not only must we pray without ceasing, but we must pray in faith believing that God will answer!
In Christ,
Rody
