God Knows…When I Do Right and Still Have Problems – Part 1
Bad things often happen to good people. All over the world and through all of history, people have asked: Why?
When Peter and John had been told to stop talking about Jesus, their reply was “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” So they kept on with their work. “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” The disciples were pleased that people were listening to the story of Jesus. But the national leaders were NOT happy. They arrested the disciples and put them in prison!
That night God an angel to the prison to open the prison doors and let them out. The angel said, ‘Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people.’” So in the early morning the apostles bravely returned to the Temple to preach the Gospel.
Meanwhile, the council gathered for the trial. Soldiers were sent to the prison to fetch the prisoners. When the prison guards unlocked the prison doors, imagine their shock at finding the inner cell empty! The council members were baffled. Soon they heard the news “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Off went the captain and his men to haul the disciples in again.
“We strictly charged you not to teach in this name,” grumbled the high priest, “And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine!” Peter had a ready answer. “We must obey God rather than men.”
After much debate, the council decided to threaten the disciples and then let them go, but not before each was given a beating. The bruised and aching disciples left the council “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching about Jesus Christ.”
God is able to remove problems—He sent an angel to let the disciples out of prison. But God doesn’t remove all problems—He allowed the council to give the disciples a hard time, arresting, questioning, and beating them. “In the world you will have tribulation,” Jesus warned. Tribulation means suffering, trials.
. . .
Everyone has troubles some kind. The difference for the follower of Jesus is he never has to face them alone. God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Your Story Hour
PO Box 15
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
1-800-987-7879
info@yourstoryhour.org
For more information about this ministry please visit their website YourStoryHour.org or listen to their radio program on OnePlace.com.
