God heard the church’s prayers and delivered Peter from prison.

Scripture: Acts 12:1-11 

Central Truth

James was the first of the original twelve disciples to be put to death. This must have shaken the church to the core. The overall environment for believers was dangerous and tense. The church’s prayerful response to this situation shows us how we should respond to difficulties as well. 

Key Question

How did the church respond to this terrifying situation? What are some reasons this isn’t our first response to difficulties?

Keep in Mind

While their friends were being killed and thrown in prison, the believers gathered to pray. Their first response was to turn to their Father, but it often isn’t ours. Our students may be so distant from God that they forget He longs to hear their prayers. They may also be so accustomed to running to others because they can see them and hear them that their first instinct isn’t to turn to God. Or they may fear that He won’t answer them. These are all valid and real struggles. And when we are transparent that we struggle here as well, we can encourage our students to go to God in their times of need. 

APPLICATION

What has God asked you to do recently? How could taking these steps lead to freedom?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: When we walk in relationship with the Lord, He will speak to us. The more we draw near to Him, the more easily we can detect His voice with the help of the Holy Spirit. God has likely been laying something on our hearts. Whatever the Holy Spirit has whispered to us, we can them obey. These could very well be steps on the path to freedom. 

FOR THE LEADER: You likely care for many people who need God’s deliverance. It could be family members, friends, or even people you see each day at work. One way you can help them is to pray for them. Peter’s friends gathered together and prayed for him while he was in chains. If you know people who are in bondage, go to the Father on their behalf.