Key Text: Acts 12:6 KJV - And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Seeing that the Jews were pleased when he executed James the brother of John, King Herod arrested Apostle Peter intending to kill him also. Now Peter was being held in a maximum security prison with 16 soldiers watching over him. The night before the day Herod would have executed him, Peter slept between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with soldiers on guard at the door to prevent his escape. However, Peter did not loose his peace, knowing fully well that the executioner would be coming for him in the morning.

Worry and anxiety can never solve the problem at hand: they steal away the peace of God from our heart. And the troubled heart can neither pray nor trust God for help. Peter did not fret because he knew that he was not alone in that situation. While charging Peter and the other apostles with the great commission, the Lord said, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". It was the knowledge of the truth of the ever abiding presence of the Lord that strengthened Peter and brought peace to his heart.

Jesus said, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". Nothing and nobody can harm you unless the Lord permits it, and whatever He permits is for His own glory. It's useless to worry over anything. Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God in their prison cell. Daniel prayed when he knew that the decree to cast him into the den of lions had been signed. Do you love God? There's no need to worry: all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Prayer: O Lord, let the peace of God that passeth all understanding keep my heart and mind, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed - Deuteronomy 31:8.