We often think that the early church, those early believers, operated so much in the supernatural that all they had to do was ask God and he would break His natural laws to accomplish whatever they wanted. That was not so. Now I will grant you that they seemed to encounter more supernatural acts of God than we do but even in their experience, the supernatural was the exception not the rule. The reason we know that is because when God supernaturally releases Peter from prison, no one believes it is really him. Why? Because they know he’s in jail and there is no way he could get out; at least no natural way. What’s really ironic was that Peter’s release would have been a focal point of their prayers, even as they were praying at that very moment!
So let me encourage you with several thoughts from this little vignette in Scripture.
1. God does hear our prayers. If there is one thing I’d like you remember, to remind yourself daily, it’s that God always hears your prayers. Have you ever been talking to someone and realize they aren’t even listening to you? I must confess I’ve been guilty of that way too often. I’ve also been intently sharing with someone else only to realize they are somewhere else in their mind and heart. God is not like that. He is able to hear and listen to all our prayers. He actually invites us into his presence to share our heart with him. I always like to remind myself when I'm praying that God isn't a million miles away in a far off land we call heaven; God is right there with me in that very spot I'm praying. He hears your prayers.
2. God can and does intervene in our history to accomplish His will. Sometimes it can seem that this world is just out of control, a result of our sinful and selfish choices. The murderous rampage of ISIS against people, and against people who follow Jesus in particular, prods us to ask the questions, “God where are you? Why are you allowing this?” You know those early believers who suffered equal pressures and martyrdom often wondered the same thing. But this story reminds us that God is Sovereign over His creation; accomplishing His will as He desires. There is no doubt that most of the evil and despair we see in the world is simply God allowing us to reap the results of our sinful and fallen choices. Indeed, God said that we would 'reap what we sow,' but don’t ever forget that God has not abandoned us. God is still at work and will indeed accomplish His desires at the end, in spite of our sin. Take courage, God has not left us alone and God is leading all of history to the conclusion that He desires.
3. So let me encourage you to not grow weary but to pray! Jesus once told us to pray and not lose heart. Accept the truth that God doesn’t always violate His natural laws to answer us BUT He is always listening, always attentive, always involved. Make your requests known to Him. Trust that He is at work in the world; He can and does work with all our errant and sinful choices to yet bring about His ultimate will and our good. Remember the words of Joseph to his brothers, “You meant it for evil but God meant it for good.” God was so wise, so powerful, so good that He was not deterred by men’s sinful choices; He could work through them for His perfect end. That’s the promise of Romans 8:28, “God works all things together for good for those who love Him.” So pray. Pray and talk to God always—as you are driving, sitting or whenever you have a free moment. But also make time to gather with others and pray together. This story tells us the early church did that a great deal.
Blessings
Jimmy
