SLEEPING THROUGH YOUR TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

INSIDE herod’s PRISON or dungeon

Peter slept

“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE...” (ACTS 12:6 niV).

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What was Peter’s SECRET of PEACE and CONTENTMENT as he sleeps between two soldiers “WAITING” for his trial? Did he know what Paul SAID? “…[Had Peter]... learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [Did Peter know]… what it ,,,[was]... to be in need, and …what it ...[was]...to have plenty... [Had Peter]… learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

All of God’s people are encouraged by Apostle Paul to“…BE PEACEFUL and CONTENT. “...God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “... BE STRONG and of good courage, FEAR NOT, “NOR” BE AFRAID of them (problems, issues, trials, tribulations, concerns, divorces, or any of life’s sudden stresses, etc.): for the Lord thy God, he it is that DOETH GO with thee; he SHALL NOT FAIL thee; “NOR” FORSAKE thee...” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).

No matter what God’s people FACE, they can FACE it through Christ who PROMISES to strengthen them. “…[They]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). The indwelling Holy Spirit EMPOWERS them“…to be strengthened (empowered) with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). THEY “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [THEM]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV. “….Apart from [jesus], [they]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…[It is]...the God of PEACE … that great Shepherd of the sheep...[who will]... equip (empower) [his people]… with everything good for doing his will, and may he work IN [his people]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…according to the POWER that worketh IN [god’s people]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [his people]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

WHY WILL GOD DO THESE THINGS FOR “HIS” PEOPLE?“…[God] … careth for [them]… (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “…I … will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow…”  (Jeremiah 31:13 NASB).   “…You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me…” (Psalms 86:17 NASB). “…This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me…” (Psalms 119:50 NASB). “…O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant…” (Psalms 119:76 NASB). “..The Lord has comforted His people  And will have compassion on His afflicted…” (Isaiah 49:13 NASB). “…For the Lord has comforted His people…” (Isaiah 52:9 NASB). “… Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death…” (Genesis 24:67 NASB).  “…All his (Jacob) sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him…” (Genesis 37:35 NASB). “…So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them…” (Genesis 50:21 NASB). “…I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant…” (Ruth 2:13 NASB). “…David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her…” (1 Samuel 12:24 NASB). “…Ephraim mourned many days, and his relatives came to comfort him…” (1 Chronicles 7:22 NASB). “…Then all his brothers and all his (Job) sisters …they consoled him and comforted him...”  (Job 42:11 NASB).  “…Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted…” (Matthew 5:4 NASB). “…They took away the boy alive (healed), and were greatly comforted…” (Acts 20:12 NASB).

Going through situations and circumstances can ROCK and SHAKE the strongest of God’s people. When they’ve done ALL they're humanly able to do in order to STAND, sometime STANDING "only" upon God's spiritual fruit of faith can become challenging. “…I will instruct [them] and teach [them] in the way which [they] shalt go: I will guide [them] with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “…The Lord helps them, …” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you …” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “…He guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

However, the story of Peter, sitting and sleeping, PEACEFULLY and CONTENTLY, between two soldiers was written for ENCOURAGEMENT so that God’s people, TODAY, might continue to HOPE in his promises through the STORMS of life! “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come...” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

God’s people can have HOPE, as they continue to trust in and depend upon the ALMIGHTY God, to cause ALL THINGS to work together for their personal GOOD. “...ALL THINGS...[are NOT good, but they will].... work together for good …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

God’s people are empowered by indwelling PEACE and CONTENTMENT while they WAIT upon the LORD, during the trials and tribulations in life, that often come to disturb them with physical fear, fatigue, anxiousness, and overwhelming concern about what their future will become. “…The plans [God has]…for you… [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

 “…I am leaving you with a GIFT - peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…The fruit of the [invisible indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).  “...The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

God-given PEACE is a BESTOWED GIFT “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…the God of peace…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NASB). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…The Kingdom of God is …a matter of … living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17 NLT).

“..I have told you all this so that you may have PEACE IN ME. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 NLT).

INSIDE Peter’s STORM he slept double-chained between two of Herod’s soldiers in a prison which was then like a dungeon. There was several other quads of guards stationed outside of the dungeon, at the iron gate, which was securely fastened to hinder any attempt to escape. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what]... will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).

The following morning, Peter would face trial, which would result in his death. Yet Peter slept peacefully in the trusting hands of God, the Holy Spirit, depending upon his love and promises while his fellow sisters and brothers prayed through the night for him. “...the church was earnestly praying to God for him...” (Acts 12:5 NIV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT - peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

God gave Peter PEACE and desired for him to rest, sleep and NOT to worry. “….God is leading you away from danger …to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don’t worry, judgment and justice will be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “...he giveth his beloved sleep...” (Psalms 127:2 KJV). “…The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need (INCLUDING “HIS” PEACE during the STORMS of life)…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

One of the reasons Christ died upon the cross was to SECURE our PEACE. “…He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (freed from WORRY, FEAR, SHAME, etc.)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

Getting back to imprisoned Peter, we see him in a dungeon, restrained and chained between two soldiers, behind securely fastened iron gates, waiting for his morning trial, which would, under normal circumstances, end in his death. Peter was guilty for being holy, living righteous, and belonging to the church (body of Christ). “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

 INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison, what can CALM the troubled, human heart? GOD’s indwelling PEACE. “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

“…He that is joined (fused) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE spirit…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The fruit of the SPIRIT is love... peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of PEACE]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT). “…It is God who works ... [peace]... IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). ^“…May …God … work in … [you, his peace, which] … is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind ...peace…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison, GOD’s indwelling PEACE is ABLE to CALM the troubled, human heart that has been fiercely disturbed with the terrors of processing through troubling trials and tribulations. “...my peace ...give I unto you … [Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you]  ... [Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV & Colossians 1:27 KJV).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison; GOD’s HELPS when, his people, find themselves in the LION DENS, FIERY FURNACES, JOB TRAGEDIES, and PETER DUNGEONS of life. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

 “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). He will “…strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within YOU]… he doeth the works…”(John 14:10 KJV).

. “...my peace ...give I unto you … [Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you]  ... [Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV & Colossians 1:27 KJV).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the lion’s den, INSIDE the fiery furnace, INSIDE Job’s tragedies, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison - GOD’s ASSURES his people, through his WORD, through other Christian Warriors, and through the PRAYERS of the SAINTS - he is the GREAT DELIVERER!

The WORD says: “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good (overwhelming victory) to them (the redeemed) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

God will SEND Christian Warriors that will encourage and build you up:  “... Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing...” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

God empowers the CHURCH to pray for you: “...the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Peter)...” (Acts 12:5 NIV).

 “…These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world…” (John 16:33 KJV). “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

The WORD, CHRISTIAN WARRIORS, and the PRAYING church strengthens, the WEARY, and assures them God, the HOLY SPIRIT, is the GREAT DELIVERER, who will FIGHT for them!

 “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD ...in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city (God dwells in his people); it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).

“….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the lion’s den, INSIDE the fiery furnace, INSIDE Job’s tragedies, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison – though you may FEEL anxious, though you may not know where you are going or what will happen; TRUST and DEPEND upon God to continue to DIRECT your steps.

“…Trust in (DEPEND UPON) the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto (DON’T DEPEND UPON) thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord  [YOU are delivered from ALL trials and tribulations with OVERWHELMING victory] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 niV).

Peter, through the Word, through other Christian Warriors, and through the Praying Church, entrusted himself to God. Only God could help him OVERCOME every PROBLEM he faced. “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT).

Peter was INSIDE or in the MIDST of a TROUBLESOME TRIAL where he had been arrested, put into prison or the dungeon, was double-chained between two of Herod’s soldiers, was securely fastened behind iron gates, he had quads of guards watching over him, and he was facing a pending trial that threatened to lead to his death by the sword, “...We must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV).

“...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Peter’s VICTORY represents the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE, which REVEALS God’s love and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “...overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

 “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

Peter was able to SEE, with his OWN eyes, the GLORY (God’s presence, goodness, and power) of God and his FAVOR upon his life, because of the GREAT THINGS he did for him. “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, the LOVE and FAVOR of God. God REVEALED his GLORY to Peter through his presence in the angel (could be a Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (through his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory)!  “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

“… at God’s [miracle-performing WORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God (the miracle-performing POWER of God)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“...the chains fell off Peter’s wrists...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

INSIDE the difficult trials and tribulations, we face, in life such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; follow Peter’s LEAD. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling stresses such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY.

“...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). 

WHY should you SLEEP during these troubling TIMES? “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[peter]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ?…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “....Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love]? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

“...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).