Acts 11 & 12 -- Letting GOD Deal With Our Enemies

Peter had been right in the middle of God’s will, yet suddenly found himself in prison!  Herod Agrippa had killed James, the brother of John, to curry favor with the Jews.  And if James’ death did so much, then how much more would Peter’s death accomplish?  So he had him arrested and chained between two guards 24/7, with two others guarding the doors.

 

God Sees Our Trials: 

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous.” (1 Peter 3:12)  My commentary said, “It is good to know that, 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.”

 

God Hears Our Prayers:

“Peter simply laid hold of the promise Jesus had made to him and committed the entire situation to God,” my commentary said.

 

God Deals With Our Enemies:

“But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (Again, 1 Peter 3:12)  My commentary continued, “At the beginning of Acts 12, Herod seems to be in control, and the church was losing the battle.  But at the end of the chapter, Herod is dead and the church – very much alive – is growing rapidly.  The secret?  A praying church.”

 

Father, Your timing is excellent again.  I know that You see my trials and that You hear my prayers.  Help me to trust You always.  Increase my faith.  Deal with my enemies and keep their schemes from coming to fruition.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford