Persecution has always been the reality for the people of God. The early church faced intense persecution,

including the death of James the brother of John.

It was in this context that Peter was also arrested and awaited his own death sentence. But the people of God we’re praying and interceding!

“Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword.

When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people.

So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭12:1-5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

There is power in prayer! Circumstances change, miracles occur, and God’s deliverance is experienced through prayer. Prayer is a light that pierces the darkness.

Believers are not exempt from pain or persecution. In fact, believers who passionately follow Jesus and declare His gospel are often specifically targeted by the enemy and face intense persecution. But prayer is a weapon of warfare that brings victory to the believer in spite of the circumstances he or she faces!

One writer said it this way:

Have you trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit

Oh, what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

The trail you are facing may be the backdrop for the miracle God is bringing! Stay in faith, and keep praying!

Photo: pond5.com