Acts chapter 5 verses 17-21 (NIV)
Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.
Sometimes we read an account in the Bible where an angel is sent to deliver servants of God out of danger. Here, however, we read that the angel told the apostles to go back to the very place where they had been arrested and continue preaching.
I wonder if the apostles were surprised? Or afraid? Regardless of how they felt, they obeyed. Their actions would cost them a flogging, yet we read later in this chapter that they rejoice at being considered worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake.
Sometimes in times of difficulty we find ourselves praying for God to take us out of a situation, and sometimes He does. But at other times, God gives us the strength to continue on in the situation and be a witness for Christ in that very circumstance. Do we do so rejoicing, like the apostles, regardless of the cost? Certainly not easy, but what is required of us nevertheless.
Dear Lord,
I have at times prayed, “get me out” when I should have prayed, “give me strength.” I ask for wisdom and courage to be obedient in the difficult times. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.