So, often we are told that miracles don’t happen because our “faith” is not strong enough. We pray earnest fervent prayers, particularly in desperate times of our lives. Fervent prayers filled with hope, pleading that God might intervene in what seems a hopeless situation. Pushing aside our doubt and fears, we proclaim our trust. Yet, deep within remains the dread and the fear. What if God’s answer is not the one, we so desperately prayed for? Or how surprised are we when He miraculously does more than we could ever had hoped for?
Acts 12 tells us the story of just such a group of people. As chapter 11 closes, there is a famine across the land of Judea. The newer, mostly Gentile church in Antioch gathered up all the money they could spare and sent it via Paul and Barnabas to the elders in Judea. Meanwhile, Herod (Agrippa I) desired great power. He wanted to gain the favor of the Jews that he oversaw. Therefore, to grow in his power, he determined to persecute the Christians. He ordered the arrest and brutal murder of James the brother of John. Having cut off the head of one “son of thunder”, the first apostle martyred, he next imprisoned Peter, “the rock”. Herod so enjoyed the accolades of praise from the Jewish leaders for what he had done. However, for maximum effect, he decided to wait until after the Passover to execute Peter.
So, Peter was shackled, handcuffed to two guards and placed in the most secure prison. There were locked gates and guards three layers deep with the outermost gate being one of iron. A group of Christians gathered at the home of John Mark. Their fervent prayers continued night and day for Peter.
Fervent Prayers with Doubt
They were all gathered together in one accord as they fervently prayed for Peter. Afterall, they knew of how Peter had been set free from prison before. However, they had also watched the persecution of Christians. They were well aware of the stoning of Stephen and now the brutal slaying of the apostle James. The famine had touched all of Judea. All too well, they realized the stark reality that this world was filled with sorrows and trials; but, their true hope was in Jesus Christ. With great anticipation, they awaited His return.
Is that true of our own fervent prayers? Perhaps, we do not doubt God’s Sovereignty, although, at times we may feel the situation too dire and cannot see how He could ever fix it. A relationship too broken, an illness too grave, or a heart too broken. Our fervent prayers go forth on a river of tears while a torrid blend of faith, hope, doubt and fear pulls at our heart. Amid this emotion, we may be filled also with shame for our own lack of faith. Ah, but you see, God is there even in our darkest moments. He was there as Stephen gazed into heaven, just as He was certainly there with James as he ascended into heaven that day.
Still, what would be the outcome of Peter? Did these prayer warriors doubt God really or did they just doubt His performing such a grand miracle? They had seen grand miracles; but was God going to answer their fervent prayer with one spectacular miracle? Meanwhile, Peter slept. His execution set for the next day, chained to two guards, Peter slept.
God’s Answer to Their Fervent Prayer
Acts 12: 7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him,…a light shined in the prison. (The Angel) smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. (Peter’s) chains fell off from his hands.
8 … the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. (The angel) saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 Peter went out and followed him. (He was uncertain) that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord…they went out, and passed on through one street. …forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 …when Peter was come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.’
As soon as Peter realized the reality of his miraculous prison escape, he ran to the house of John Mark. He was certain a crowd of believers were there praying. Yet, when he arrived, a young girl came to the door. So, excited to hear his voice she ran back into the group and proclaimed that he stood at the door (but forgot to let him in). This group of believers who were in fervent prayer declared her “crazy”. Afterall, did they really believe God would answer their prayer with such grandeur or was there doubt? Finally, they answered the door and there stood Peter to their amazement and joy. Faith grew that day.
Concluding Thoughts
We may not know how God will answer our fervent prayer. However, we need not doubt His overwhelming love for each of us. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32). All things means His best, even when we don’t know what is best for us, He does know. There will be sorrows, trials, doubt and fears that may press upon us from every side. Furthermore, there may be times we cannot see the way forward; but God in His great and mighty Grace does have a plan for us. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
I do not know the fervent prayer that you are praying for today. Nor do I know what fears or doubts you may face. But this I do know; God loves you and His Power is greater than anything you might face today. You can trust Him, even with your doubt.
I encourage you to go read God is Faithful Even in a Dungeon
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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