February 18, 2010 - Acts 12:5

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Acts 12:5.
James, the brother of John, had been killed by King Herod. Peter, along with some others, had been arrested and thrown into the darkness of a jail cell. As he was there, all the early followers of Jesus gathered to pray to God on Peter’s behalf.
Not too long before this, Peter and the others had received some final instructions from Jesus just before He left them to return to His Father’s side in glory. Jesus’ final words were, “and I will be with you always, even to the ends of the earth.” Interestingly enough, Jesus did not promise them safety; He promised that He would be with them in whatever circumstances they might find themselves. Even in the depths and darkness of the jail, Peter knew Jesus’ presence was with him.
I can think of many times when I have prayed for safety for travelling or in other situations, but I can rarely remember times when I have intentionally asked for or have thanked God for His presence with me in my journey of life. As I read this verse, I was suddenly struck by how privileged I am to have the continual presence of the living God, both in me, and working through me. Peter, while definitely not in a safe place, knew that the comforting presence of God was with him.
Questions to consider: Have you recognized that God will always be with you, even in the most difficult or dangerous of situations? In what ways have you seen His presence in your life – no matter the circumstances – and especially in the hard times?
Prayer: Father, I know that You never promised that I would be safe, even though my whole life experience has been safe. Instead, You promised that You would always be with me. Thank You, Father, for Your presence, no matter what my circumstances are. Amen.