The Time to Pray is NOW!

Let's continue with Peter's story...

Acts 12:1-4 King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members...he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you—and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.

Sometimes people get it into their head that they are going to go after us, and sometimes life just happens and we feel trapped. We feel like we are in a prison of fear or despair. And this verse clearly shows that just because we are Christian it doesn't mean we will live a trouble-free life.

Peter was a close friend and disciple of Jesus, and he was going to lynched for it. We do not get a pass just because Jesus is our friend.

Precious life-changing truth of the day: But because He is our friend, He will help the trouble pass.

Therefore, rather than waste time trying to figure out how God could allow this or that of the other thing to affect us, let's do what Peter's buddies did in verse five. The Message version of the Bible says, "All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously."

They didn't hold a meeting to discuss strategy, they didn't wring their hands in worry, they prayed most strenuously right as the problem was taking place.

Precious life-changing truth of the day number two: The time to pray is now--not later.

CHOP CHOP!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We think about Peter today. He was about to celebrate Passover week when he got arrested. Sometimes stuff happens when we least expect it--sometimes even we are planning a party! But we know that You are aware of it all and always accept and welcome our harried, hustled, and strenuous prayers. We are listening for that knock at the door signaling that our miracle has arrived. In Jesus' name, AMEN~