Acts 12:5-9 NLT
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening.
Look at what happened and what happens when we step out in faith.
Peter was in trouble. He was faithfully submitted to his calling and imprisoned.
1. ”…the church prayed very earnestly for him.”
Earnestly by definition means ”with sincere and intense conviction; seriously.”
This is not the type of prayer of ”I’ll keep you in my prayers. See me when you get out.” and continuing with our lives type of prayer.
This is a prayer that requires we give up something on our end. Maybe getting up an hour early and giving that time up for prayer to release the other person from the bondage they are struggling with.
This is giving up that time in prayer for the sole purpose of keeping that person first and foremost in the center of our minds.
Forgoing the thoughts of what we need and bringing forth and lifting that other person to God.
2. Look at Peter, ”…he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers.”
”Wait, what? He was asleep chained to two ✌️ soldiers?”
Yes. He was asleep while in trouble.
Peter’s faith and peace of mind were not centered on his circumstances; his faith and peace of mind were focused on his confidence that our God would deliver him.
Philippians 1:21-24 NLT
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
Paul sums up this confidence and faith wonderfully here.
I’m sure this is the faith that Peter had in this situation, he was sleeping.
When our focus is on God, we should be confident that we will come through any circumstance better than before.
Romans 8:28-30 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
We are secure in Jesus Christ, not our circumstances. This should provide us confidence and peace of mind.
3. ”Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter.”
The prayer was answered.
””Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.”
God will not reveal the full plan to us, but He will give us just enough to get us moving forward.
When we move out in faith, the next step will be revealed to us.
Our part is to take the first step with unwavering confidence. And then He will give us the next step.
Notice what didn’t happen, this bright light didn’t wake up the guards, and he wasn’t instructed to tie up the guards to stop them from following him.
He was given instructions on what ”he” was to do. And him only.
God’s instructions to us will always focus on actions we are to take; everything else, including others, is in His hands.
3. Peter didn’t hesitate, and he was delivered.
Heavenly Father, please provide me with the discernment and courage to first see Your instructions and the confidence to move in faith before seeing the whole plan.
I know that You are in sovereign control, and You are working out details for the good of those who believe in You. I ask for confidence in this in every area of my life.
In the name above all names, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
