Today, we’re going to see a pattern begin that is repeated over and over again when crisis happens. A rhythm emerges that guides their thoughts and choices.
Dance Step 1 – The evidence of those who walk with God is the confidence of their faith in him when crisis hits.
Acts 4:18-20 “So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.””
Dance Step 2 – The Prayers of those who walk with God are for more OpportunityActs 4:23-24
“As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—” Acts 4:23-24
- Peter and John are released from Jail
- Found some of the other believers and Prayed
- What could they have prayed for?
- What would YOU pray?
Acts 4:29-30
“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
- Pray that God will take it away? No.
- Pray that God will make things easier? No.
- In fact, they are certain that it won’t. They ask that God will give them the boldness and the strength when it gets hard.
- Do you have enough faith to pray this prayer?
- I would, if what? I was confident in Photo #3
- What would happen if we prayed for opportunity rather than escape, strength instead of relief, purpose in the place of comfort?
Dance Step 3 – The conviction of those who walk with God is the to be completely honest with God about themselves.
Acts 5:3-4 “Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”” Acts 5:3-4The problem had nothing to do with money
Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?