June 18
Acts 12:1-23
What is your initial response when life gets hard? Where do you turn when you face difficulty? In Acts 12 the church found themselves under intense persecution; James had been killed and Peter was next on the docket for death. Their response was not to freak out—instead, to pray. How closely does this parallel your response to hardship? Verse 5 says the church was "earnestly praying to God" and verse 12 tells us the church "had gathered and were praying." Their response to trouble was not to become overwhelmed by the world but instead to become overwhelmed by the presence and power of God.
They turned away from their troubles to call out to the one who could intervene, and God did. God sent an angel to walk Peter out of prison and free him from this attempt to take his life. How well are you emulating this example of the early church? When you find yourself in crisis and trouble, are you earnestly praying? No matter how overwhelming our circumstances might be, God is greater. Notice the contrast between Herod and Peter. Herod, the powerful Rome appointed ruler, fell dead; while Peter, a simple apostle, lived. The difference is one thought he was God, while the other relied on God. So, let us run to God in times of difficulty, pain, and frustration, because he alone can deliver and save.
Father God, help me to turn to you in prayer when life is difficult. Thank you that are greater than anything I can face in life. Amen.
Is earnest prayer a part of your response to hardship? If not, how can you grow in this area?
What is your initial response when life gets hard? Where do you turn when you face difficulty? In Acts 12 the church found themselves under intense persecution; James had been killed and Peter was next on the docket for death. Their response was not to freak out—instead, to pray. How closely does this parallel your response to hardship? Verse 5 says the church was "earnestly praying to God" and verse 12 tells us the church "had gathered and were praying." Their response to trouble was not to become overwhelmed by the world but instead to become overwhelmed by the presence and power of God.
They turned away from their troubles to call out to the one who could intervene, and God did. God sent an angel to walk Peter out of prison and free him from this attempt to take his life. How well are you emulating this example of the early church? When you find yourself in crisis and trouble, are you earnestly praying? No matter how overwhelming our circumstances might be, God is greater. Notice the contrast between Herod and Peter. Herod, the powerful Rome appointed ruler, fell dead; while Peter, a simple apostle, lived. The difference is one thought he was God, while the other relied on God. So, let us run to God in times of difficulty, pain, and frustration, because he alone can deliver and save.
Father God, help me to turn to you in prayer when life is difficult. Thank you that are greater than anything I can face in life. Amen.
Is earnest prayer a part of your response to hardship? If not, how can you grow in this area?
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