calendar_today November 26, 2024

Acts: Life On Mission – Week 13 – Faith Gives Freedom

person Mike Wilson

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Faith Gives Freedom

Have you ever struggled with unanswered prayers?
In this week’s message, “Faith Gives Freedom,” we dive into Acts 12 and discover how the early church displayed unshakable faith even in the face of persecution, imprisonment, and seemingly unanswered prayers. This powerful story offers timeless lessons on prayer, faith, and the freedom that comes from trusting God’s plan.

Facing Unanswered Prayers

Have you ever prayed a big prayer, only to feel like God hasn’t answered it—or worse, answered it in a way you didn’t want? Maybe it’s a prayer for healing, a breakthrough in your family, or clarity in your life’s direction. These are the prayers that bring us face-to-face with our doubts and frustrations. Yet, they are also opportunities to experience how faith gives freedom.

The early church in Acts 12 faced similar challenges. They prayed earnestly for Peter’s release from prison, even as they mourned the recent execution of James. Their story demonstrates how faith, even when imperfect, connects us to God’s greater purpose.

The Early Church and Bold Faith

Acts 12 begins with King Herod Agrippa persecuting Christians, gaining favor with the people by ordering James’ execution and imprisoning Peter during Passover. It was a dark moment for the church, yet they persisted in prayer. This shows us that faith gives freedom even when circumstances seem dire.

The Power of Earnest Prayer

Despite their grief over James’ death, the believers gathered to pray fervently for Peter. Their prayers remind us to approach God with boldness, even when the outcomes feel uncertain. As Peter slept in prison, bound by chains and guarded by soldiers, the church’s prayers set the stage for an extraordinary miracle.

Miracles Through Faith

In a dramatic turn of events, an angel appeared in Peter’s cell, instructing him to get up, and the chains fell off his wrists. Peter, unsure if he was dreaming, followed the angel past guards and through the iron gate, which opened by itself. Only once he was safely outside did Peter realize it was real—God had freed him in response to the prayers of His people.

This miraculous story underscores that faith gives freedom not just from physical chains, but from fear, doubt, and despair. It reminds us that God works in ways we may not fully understand at the moment but can trust in hindsight.

Lessons in Faith and Freedom

Faith is Trusting God’s Plan
The church prayed earnestly even after losing James, trusting that God’s plan was greater than their understanding. They demonstrate that prayer is not about manipulating God but aligning ourselves with His will.
Freedom Comes in Following God’s Lead
When Peter followed the angel’s instructions step by step, he experienced freedom. Similarly, we find freedom when we surrender to God’s guidance, trusting Him with each step of our journey.
Faith Isn’t About Perfection
The believers praying for Peter didn’t fully believe he could be freed—they thought he was already dead or that an angel was at the door. Yet, God used their imperfect prayers to accomplish His perfect will.

What Does This Mean for Us?

Today, we often face our own “prisons”—whether it’s doubt, fear, addiction, or circumstances beyond our control. The story of Acts 12 invites us to:

Pray bold, honest prayers, even when it feels like God isn’t listening.
Trust that faith gives freedom, even when freedom doesn’t come the way we expect.
Step into the opportunities God provides, knowing He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

Faith That Endures

Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Just as He trusted the Father’s plan, we are invited to trust that God hears our prayers, even when He says no.

The freedom we experience through faith is not about escaping pain or avoiding difficulty. It’s about knowing that our ultimate victory is already secured in Christ. Whether through miraculous deliverance or the peace to endure, faith gives freedom to navigate life’s challenges.

Living a Life of Faith and Freedom

As followers of Jesus, our lives are meant to reflect a trust that transcends circumstances. Like Peter, we can rest even in the midst of trials, knowing that God holds our future. And like the early church, we can persist in prayer, believing that God is faithful to His promises.

So, what’s your next step? Is there a prayer you’ve stopped praying? Is there a “prison” you need to walk out of? Remember, God has opened the gate—you just need to take the next step.

Join Us on Mission

At New Life, we believe that faith gives freedom, and we’re committed to living that truth as a church family. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or deepening your walk with Jesus, we’re here to walk alongside you.

Let’s pray bold prayers, trust God’s plan, and live as people set free. Together, we can shine a light in a world that desperately needs the hope of Christ.

If you would like to take a next step in living a life of mission fill this out for us and we will help you!

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