Text: Acts 12: 12–17
Memory Verse: “But they said to her, ‘You are beside yourself!’ Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So, they said, ‘It is his angel’” (Acts 12: 15).
Many believers pray, but are more focused on how big the problem is Mthan on how big their God is. They pray only because everybody is praying or someone advised them to do so. Prayer has turned into a mere religious activity to them, so they pray without any expectation. They are, therefore, always unaware when God answers the prayer.
Herod had unleashed violence on the church and killed James, the brother of John, with the sword (Acts 12: 1-3). He noticed the Jews were pleased and, so, got Peter arrested intending to kill him too. The brethren began to pray constantly to God for Peter’s release. It may have been that the prayers were being offered out of fear of who could be the next victim of Herod, as their action later suggested they did not expect Peter’s deliverance or so soon.
God answered the prayer and delivered Peter miraculously from the chains of Herod’s prison. Peter came to meet them where they were gathered in prayer, but since they had no expectation they did not know they already had the miracle they were praying for. We may be faced with challenging situations that have consumed many, but as we turn to God in prayer, we must expect our answers instantly because God will surely answer our prayers. Jesus assures us in Matthew 7:7 that when we
ask, it shall be given to us. This is the guarantee we need to expect answers anytime we pray to God.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, thank You that you are bigger than any problem I face.
2. Lord, help me today to trust You fully and seek You with great expectation.
