Scripture:
Acts 12:5,23-24- So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worm and breathed his last. But the word of God increased and multiplied.
Observation:
Herod was persecuting the church, had James killed, Peter arrested and put in prison. Herod is in direct opposition to the work of God as he sought acclaim for himself. The church gathered together in prayer to God for Peter. An angel of the Lord appeared and rescued Peter, a man who feared God and who was serving him. An angel of the Lord struck down Herod who was harshly treating the church while seeking his own glory. During this time of persecution by Herod, the word of God was increased and the church multiplied.
Application:
Earnest prayer to God by the body of believers is heard by God. Many were praying from the time of Peter’s imprisonment till the angel released him and he appeared at the home of Mary. Prayer should always be our first option not our last resort. Everything we do as believers should be to point to God thereby giving Him all the honor and glory. Even in ministry or however we are serving we need to be careful that there is less of us and what we doing rather more of God. The word of God can not be stopped. In places where there is persecution, like India, we see God working in a powerful way and the church multiplying.
Prayer:
Father,
Help me to be someone who seeks you powerfully in word and prayer. Let me serve you and whatever I do be to glorify you and spread your gospel.