THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 448

There are times when believers can be discouraged from the struggles that life brings. This is a natural response given the numerous trials and tribulations that can blindside us on any given day. But Acts chapter 12 is an example whereby faith overcomes even the darkest moments. In this chapter, Herod the king has laid violent hands upon those who belong to the church. He had killed James the brother of John and proceeds to arrest Peter. Herod instructs four squads of soldiers to guard Peter while in prison, intending to present Peter to the people at the conclusion of the days of Unleavened Bread. With this kind of oppression against Peter, it would be easy to see that this was the end for Peter.

But what Herod did not count on was God's army being more powerful than his own. The same God who loved us so much that He would become flesh and die on a cross so that we might have salvation and life eternal was in charge. So what happens next? Believers began praying in earnest for Peter. The very night that Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 

"Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell, and he struck Peter on the side and woke him saying, "Get up quickly" and the chains fell off his hands." The angel instructed Peter to get dressed and follow him. At first, Peter thought he was seeing a vision. This can't be real, he surmised. But the reality began to kick in when they had passed the first and second guard, and then upon their arrival at the city entrance, the iron gate opens for them. "

And Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." When Peter realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where many believers were gathered in prayer. The people were amazed! Motioning for the people to be silent, Peter told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.

As one can imagine, Herod was angry. "Now when the day came, there was no small stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him and could not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death." On an appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne and made an oration to him. And the people shouted, "The voice of a god and not of man." Immediately, an angel of the Lord smote him because Herod did not give God the glory and the word of God grew and multiplied.

As we read here with Peter, even in our darkest moments, and through all of our earthly trials and tribulations God has a plan for you and me. So, even when there appears to be no way out of our circumstances, we can remain confident in His grace and mercy that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus has already opened the door! Believe on Jesus today!