Scripture to Read: Acts 4:4–8
We saw yesterday, through Peter and John’s boldness to proclaim Christ, how they suffered persecution and ended up being imprisoned. We know persecution comes from the spiritual forces of wickedness, but it’s hard to see it that way when we can’t see into the spiritual realm. But we also read how God added to the church and about five thousand men had surrendered to Christ as Lord. In Acts 4:5–6, we read how Peter and John were brought before “their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent.” These people were pawns, used by spiritual forces of darkness they could not see. When Peter and John stood before the religious leaders, they were asked this question in Acts 4:7: “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” God, in His sovereign work and according to His perfect will, opened an incredible door for Peter and John to share Christ again. God had Paul make this request to the Christians in Colossae in Colossians 4:3–4: praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. This prayer ought to be prayed by every Christian every day. We must ask God for opportunities and be ready when He answers.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today about how He wants to use you daily to share Him with others?
• How are you praying and preparing yourself each day to be used by our Lord to share Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!