Acts 12:1-11

Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Introduction: In prison, Peter was led by an angel to freedom. However, since he had been asleep when the angel appeared to him, he had some doubt as to whether or not he was really seeing an angel or whether he was just having a vision or dream. However, although he wasn't sure of what was going on, he continued to go forward until he got out of prison.

I believe there are some practical lessons here that we can learn about times in our lives when we don't know for sure what is going on.

By the way, rest assured that although YOU may not always know what is happening, GOD DOES.

I. REALIZE THAT CHANGES WILL COME, BUT WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE IT WON'T, KEEP FOLLOWING GOD

Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

    A. Finances may diminish, but keep going on

    B. Friends may desert you, but keep going on

    C. Family may depart, but keep going on

II. CONFUSION MAY TRY TO COME, BUT WHEN IT TRIES, KEEP FOLLOWING GOD

Acts 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

    A. Sometimes confusion is due to sin unconfused sin.

        1. Confess the sin, Then forsake it.

Keep going on!

    B. Sometimes confusion is due to Satan when he is undetected.

        1. Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. And keep going on!

    C. Sometimes confusion is due to a situation that is unusual.

        1. Trust God, And keep going on!

III. LOOK FOR DIVINE OPPORTUNITIES, AND KEEP GOING ON

Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

    A. Opportunities will come for great trials.

        1. Endure affliction.

        2. Look to Jesus!

And keep going on!

B. Opportunities will come to see great things. (the angel, the door opening by itself)

        1. Rejoice in the greatness of God!

        2. Don't let the things distract you.

Keep going on!

C. Opportunities will come to step through great thresholds.

        1. Thank God for open doors!

        2. Use them for His glory!

And keep going on!

IV. VICTORY WILL COME, AND YOU WILL BE GLAD THAT YOU KEPT FOLLOWING GOD

Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Hindsight is a blessing. It is always a joy to look back and see where God has brought you from.

    A. Victory will come, because God is faithful.

        1. God has not forgotten you.

    B. Following Gods direction, will always lead to victory.

Abraham went out, not knowing where he went, but God knew where He was sending him.

    C. Victory will come.

God brought Job out of his troubles.

God brought the Israelites out of Egypt.