Day 12 - 28 Day Challenge

Calm in the storm

Seems like a whirlwind of persecution had now been unleashed against the church. Herod, grandson of the Herod we read of in the early Gospels, decided on going after the top men. So about 10 years after Jesus resurrection we have one of the original 12 disciples being taken out of the scene. Next Herod went after Peter, put him in jail and planed to hang him publicly.

The night before his impending execution we get an insight into Peters state of mind:

v6 He was sleeping like a baby.

I am not sure if facing such dire circumstances that I would be sleeping. There are already many things that keep me awake at night and none of them come close to being executed. Peter’s peace does not seem to have been because he expected God to swoop in last minute and perform some miracle of deliverance. We later find him totally surprised by what has happened. As the message puts it (v 12) shaking his head amazed.

Somehow he had found a place of confidence and security in God that no matter what circumstances he faced God was still on his side and in life and death he would trust God.

I remember an old hymn:

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.

It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Saviour’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.

It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.

It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

My Prayer

Help me Lord to trust you even when things are difficult. Thank you Lord that I can trust you because of your great love for me and nothing in this world or the next can ever change that.