14 October | EVERYONE
"And when Peter had come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Acts 12: 11
Why does God allow His children to suffer? Peter was in prison and believed that he could not continue to fulfill his mission, but he was deceived because an angel appeared that same night and set him free. This account describes a period of persecution promoted by King Herod Agrippa against Christians. The blood of the martyrs permeated the soil of history, and thus, germinated the seed of the gospel. It is a fact that, with the persecution, the church grew, and the Word of God spread throughout the known world of those days.
While Peter was imprisoned, the church was meeting in the house of John Mark's mother. It was a group of people fearful of the emperor's fury. Up to that time, persecution against the church had been promoted mostly by the religious leaders, especially by the Sadducees. But then the persecution moved into the sphere of government. Perhaps Herod did this to curry favor with influential people and sectors. What we know for sure is that Herod Agrippa unleashed a brutal and ruthless campaign against Christians.
In those days, they also seized James. But God did not release him, and he was put to death. Many wonder why God allowed James to die, while Peter remained alive. Without a doubt, the Lord had a special mission for Peter. Divine plans are inscrutable; their comprehension surpasses the finite human mind. We can only trust that “God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him" (Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 479).
The Lord had a special mission for Peter, and he dedicated his life to the fulfillment of that mission.
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Like Peter, you too have a mission assigned by God. In your relationship with Him, you will discover the details of it. Are you ready to fulfill it? Go without fear, for the angel of the Lord will be with you!