Read: Acts 12:1-19
Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (v. 5)
In 1792, cobbler William Carey dared to leave his shoe repair shop in England and move to India. Despite opposition and hardship, he worked faithfully to share the gospel in India and is now recognized as the father of the modern missionary movement. His testimony was: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God!” God can use ordinary people like us, made up of ordinary flesh and bones, to change the course of history.
Carey’s message resonates with today’s Bible reading. The gathered church in Acts 12 prayed earnestly for Peter as he was imprisoned inside a heavy security jail. However, they did not expect the outcome of those prayers! Helped by an angel, Peter walked right out of prison and showed up on their doorstep, but when he knocked, they didn’t even answer at first (vv. 15-16).
The reality we experience daily shapes our expectations. Most of us just live as regular people: eat, sleep, wake up, and do the little, possible things in front of us. It can be challenging, and even painful, to pray big prayers and ask God to act. By nature, we’re inclined to be realistic and pragmatic. Even the first believers in Acts were shocked by the miracles they saw.
God can make us wise and fearless when we allow him to renew us spiritually. Let’s seek him and invite him into our lives to renew us.
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to revive you and pray for wisdom and faith. If you have a big prayer, pray it with boldness today.
About the Author
Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, we have chosen not to share his name.
