What happens when we pray? Does prayer really change things?
Well, after Peter and John were released from jail, they went back to the place where the other believers were. They reported all that God did.
Did they forget their journey or their call? Were they discouraged and did they quit? No! They went back physically to where everyone was gathered, but they went back to prayer and to fellowship.
- To those who diligently gather believers to pray, thank you! Your ministry is not in vain! You stir us all on to a closer walk with God, one another, and a higher place in the Spirit.
One of the prayers the believers were praying was, “Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your Word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4: 29-30)
Did they make a difference by praying? Emphatically, yes! “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.” (Acts 4: 31) God shows up again and Holy Spirit does His awesome work of filling and commissioning.
One thing I quickly perceived about this gathering is that “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4: 32) They were so unified that they started sharing their possessions, all they had, with one another.
- What did that unity result in? “With Great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and much grace was upon them all. ” (Acts 4: 33) That grace was issued in mega amounts. The diligent prayer and unity also provided and supplied, so there were, “No needy persons among them.” (Acts 4: 34)
- Obedience produces things we could never conjure up on our own.
Job tried to conjure up God’s mercy upon himself, not realizing that even through suffering, God’s mercy is there. In his depression, for a short period, he rises above it saying, “If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.” (Job 14: 14) Job is alluding to resurrection here, not knowing what was to come in our New Testament covenant.
- When the Holy Spirit comes in power, He brings renewal.
Now, Job is speaking about God’s grace and forgiveness. He says, “Surely then you will count my steps but not keep track of my sin. My offense will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover all my sin.” (Job 14: 16-17) Then his depression sets back in.
In the Old Testament reading, atonement, captivity, rights, rebellion, laws, and violation of those laws is a common theme. (Deuteronomy 21-22) As God’s holy people, the Israelites were responsible before God to eradicate all evil among them. Over and over again, these regulations were spoken forth to God’s people.
It is Truth that will keep us from error. I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit, who is our “Spirit of Truth.” John in his gospel says, “When He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16: 13)
Holy Spirit-led prayer will reveal His truth and will come, and tell us what is to come.
- When believers pray, God provides by coming in our midst.
Listen and gather, things shall be birthed. - When God provides, He supplies.
(Acts 4: 23-37, Job 14, Deuteronomy 21-22, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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