Acts 4:23-24. “After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God…”
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Acts 4 is a blueprint on how to deal with adversity.
It has the longest prayer in the book of Acts and is a blueprint on how to deal with hardship and distress. First, their prayer began, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.” (v.24) Just as Jesus taught his disciples to begin “Our Father in heaven…,” we need to fix in our hearts and minds that we are appealing to the One in which nothing is impossible.
Second, they looked to the Scriptures for help (v.25-27). When we pray God’s Word, we know we are praying according to His will. They were not just grabbing a Scripture, but rather directed by the Holy Spirit for a specific passage that spoke directly to their situation.
Third, they acknowledged that God was sovereign. They noted that the events they were experiencing were “predestined to take place.” (v.28). It should comfort us greatly in the knowledge that nothing is taking the Lord by surprise.
Finally, they asked the Lord that they“may speak your word with all boldness, which you stretch your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (v.30). They did not ask for protection from trouble — but faith to continue the work they have been given to do.
Unlike us, they did not know what would happen next. They were swimming in (and maybe even walking on) uncharted waters. But they had the assurance that they had the Lord on their side, and that confident faith is what gave them the courage to face the challenges ahead.
PRAYER STARTER…
Heavenly Father, may our church face adversity with the same attitude of the early church, in faithfulness and boldness in trusting your glorious goodness, mercy and love. Let us not fear the problem but have a holy fear of you, dear God — a reverential respect of your holiness. May we look to you in all we do.
(Continue this prayer as the Holy Spirit directs you personally.)