Text: Acts 12:1-5, 11
Memory Verse: “And when Peter had come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people’” (Acts 12:11).
Where was God when James, the brother of John and a friend of Jesus was arrested and killed? The same place where He was when His only begotten Son, Jesus, was cruelly crucified like a common criminal. Think about the pain He must have felt when He ‘forsook’ Jesus as He bore our sins (Mark 15:34). He allowed James to be killed just as
He allowed His Son, Jesus, to be killed.
The story of Peter’s mighty deliverance from prison and Herod is encouraging, but recall that in that same story, James, one of the three that were closest to Jesus was not delivered, but killed. Why did God allow this? Could He not have delivered James like He did Peter? He could but, in His sovereignty, chose not to. God is His own interpreter and will make many things you do not fully understand now plain some day.
Abraham, the friend of God, waited 25 years for the promised son (Genesis 12:4; 21:1-5). Could God have given him Isaac on day one? Yes, He could have, but He did not. God had His plan and executed it. Did Abraham stop asking for a child? No, he kept asking and trusting (Genesis 15:2-5). He did not give room to discouragement as he waited.
As you wait on God for answers to various issues, remember that He is sovereign and has a plan for you. Keep asking. He will keep His word.
Prayer Points:
1. I acknowledge that You are God and worship Your Majesty, O Lord.
2. Remember me as You remembered others, O Lord.
