Summertime StoriesSample

Acts 12:1-5 

1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 

2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 

3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 

4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 

5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

This story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison in Acts 12 is one that fully shows the power and might of God. Here Peter sits in prison - chained and crowded by guards - a moment in Biblical history that could prove to be one of the most impossible situations to get out of. There are so many details that make this story amazing, like how the chains miraculously fell off Peter, and the angel practically escorted him out freely. There is one line, however, that could totally be overlooked and undervalued. In verse five, it says, "But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him." This verse tells me that the prayers of Peter's spiritual family played a part in his miracle. Peter had a group of faith-filled people in his life that fought for him through prayer. It was the hand of God that moved, but it was Peter's church family that prayed.

Maybe in the context of small groups, you've heard us say, "Don't do life alone." We truly believe that spiritual community is a necessity for your walk with Christ and growth as a Christian. These godly relationships are meant to sharpen you, encourage you, and pray for you. Peter didn't even know his church family was praying for him, and yet all along they were waging war spiritually on his behalf. Those are the kind of people we all need in our corner. Sometimes it's those people who pray for you when you can't even pray for yourself, or the kind of people who know you're in a "prison" emotionally, mentally, or even physically and so they pray for you daily. We need each other.

Take a minute and evaluate the relationships in your life. Are they life-giving? Do you have people in your circle who pray for you? If you find yourself doing this life alone, consider joining a small group! I promise you won't regret it!