Acts 12:1-17 God Sees Our Trials And Hears Our Prayers

Peter was in prison for a third time.  "Herod had beheaded James, the brother of John ... God permitted Herod to arrest Peter and put him under heavy guard in prison.  Sixteen soldiers, four for each watch, kept guard over the apostle, with two soldiers chained to the prisoner and two watching the doors ... No matter how difficult the trials or how disappointing the news, God is still on the throne and has everything under control.  We may not always understand His ways, but we know His sovereign will is best," my commentary said.

"The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was a prayer that fetched the angel," according to Puritan preacher Thomas Watson .

"Peter was to be executed the next day, but he was so sound asleep that the angel had to strike him on the side to wake him up!  ... The main cause of Peter's peace was the knowledge that Herod could not kill him.  Jesus had promised Peter that he would live to be an old man and end his life crucified on a Roman cross.  Peter simply laid hold of that promise and committed the entire situation to the Lord, and God gave him peace and rest.  He did not know how or when God would deliver him, but he did know that deliverance was coming."

"The guards had no idea that anything was going on ... Peter probably thought it was a dream ... In the street, he came to himself .... when Peter was free, the angel vanished ... It was up to Peter to trust the Lord and use his common sense in taking the next step."

Father, I can't thank You enough for the answered prayers this weekend and for the peace You gave me.  Please continue to help me to trust You and look to You for my help.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford