The Church Was Earnestly Praying for Him
So, Peter was kept in prison but the church was earnestly praying for him. Acts 12:5 (NIV)
When King Agrippa found that the Jews were delighted when Christians were tortured and martyred, he arrested Peter and decided he’d deal with him after Passover. That night, Peter was chained between two guards and sentries kept watch at the door. In the middle of the night, an angel awakened Peter and got him out of there. He thought he was dreaming until he came to his senses and found himself walking outside the prison with an angelic host.
I have some questions about this event and maybe you do as well. How did Peter get freed from his chains and the other two guards not feel it? What about the sentries that were supposed to be standing guard? Maybe God put them into a deep sleep. They must have had a difficult time trying to explain the empty cell to King Agrippa. They did nothing wrong but paid a high price!
And what was the church praying? Were they concerned for Peter’s physical well-being? What were they asking for, his protection? Did they come together to pray or as individuals? Things looked pretty gloomy so perhaps they were asking for some sort of miracle because that’s what was needed. Maybe they were pleading for a painless death but Herod Agrippa liked drama with blood and guts. As surely as I sit here, I doubt they asked for the specific miracle they received.
Most likely, none of us will ever be in Peter’s position but if we were, what would we do or say? I want to believe I’d stand strong and stay true but there is that little doubt in me that needs a question mark. God has proven Himself over and over and yet I have this tiny reservation, ‘Will He do it for me again?’ What would I pray?
Sometimes when I pray, those doubts like to get very chummy. The problem of hesitation comes from within me, not from God. Perhaps my uncertainties would just vanish if I saw a full-blown miracle like Peter’s! The results of prayer can be a marvel! For all those who prayed for Peter, I’m sure their faith was deepened.
What would it take to strengthen your faith?
Loving Lord, thank You for godly men like Peter and all those who have been martyred in Your name. Thank You for their living examples of faith. Please give us strength to stand strong in our world today. AMEN.