WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Think about the things that make you feel safe. Then thank God for his promise that ‘he will not let your foot slip’ (Psalm 121:3). Toughening up Just when things were going well a vital leader of the church, one of the apostles, is murdered. And other Christians are imprisoned, awaiting their fate. The believers must have wondered what God was up to. With the benefit of hindsight we know that worse was to come for the early church. God had to toughen them up so they would be ready to stand firm in their faith and their support for each other (v 12). Also, persecution in one place forced the believers to flee, taking the gospel to new places. Remember how God had to jolt Saul’s faith in Acts 9? Safe with God For some people, setbacks and trials just give them more determination, a chance to prove what their faith means. For others the evidence of God’s blessing inspires them. (Sometimes they allow the wonder to distract them from the obvious actions they need to do, like Rhoda in verse 13! But fear can do that too.) James and Peter were both safe in God’s hands. Peter knew that, so was fast asleep in prison. However you may feel, God has promised that you are safe too (Romans 8:38,39). Respond: ‘A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for’ (John Shedd). Is your faith being tested? Pray for God’s courage and protection. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-14