The Power of Prophecy

Acts 12 : 5 – 7. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands. NKJV

In the context of today’s scripture, James has been killed by Herod. Therefore, when Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, he captured Peter as well and was going to execute him. However, Herod had to postpone Peter’s execution because it was Passover; and it was unlawful to perform such a deed on that day.

Can you imagine what it must have been like for Peter during this time? His friend and fellow servant of the Lord had been killed, and he was now being held by armed guards. Nevertheless, even on the night before Peter was to be killed, he slept. How was Peter able to sleep with all the turmoil and danger surrounding him?

Like Peter, you may be facing uncertainty in your life. You may have recently received an evil report that has you upset. Please cast your care upon the Lord and rest in His love so that He can guard your heart from fear with His peace.

Peter had great peace in his heart about the outcome of the situation because He had a promise from God. What’s more, Peter had faith that what Jesus had promised him would truly come to pass in his life. It was because of Peter’s faith in what Jesus had previously spoken over him that gave him the assurance that this night would not end in death, but victory. Therefore, he slept.

What did Peter know?  Jesus had already told Peter how he would die. He also told him that he would die as an old man. Because Peter was given this prophecy, he could rest while everyone else was worrying and wondering what would become of him. Here is the scripture reference that I am writing about:

John 21: 17 – 19, He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." NKJV

In this world, we will all face hardships. Therefore, we are required to make a choice when trouble enters our lives. Will we place our trust in God and stand on His Word like Peter, or will we allow fear to rule our hearts and rob us of our peace in Christ? We all have a promise in Isaiah 54. No weapon that is formed against us shall be able to prosper. Consequently, when you hear of a weapon being formed against you, you have to exercise your faith in God’s Word until victory is won.

In Psalms 23, David stated that even though he had to pass through the valley of the shadow of death, he would not fear evil because the Lord was with him. Jesus is with you because His Spirit lives within you. Hold onto your peace and let fear pass you by. God has got this!

Leaning on the Arm of Jesus,
Pastor Asa Dockery