Power when Under Pressure

Acts 4:19-20, 29-31

In Acts Chapter 3 through the power of God Peter and John healed a man who had been crippled from birth. This angered the religious leaders because as we have previously learned; they were afraid that if people followed Jesus then they would lose their position and power. For this reason they threatened Peter and John, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus.

This was far worse than a situation today were a teacher may ask a student not to bring a bible to school, or a court ordering a copy of the ten commandments to be removed from a public place. This is because unlike in our current culture in America today; in this time period and culture to disobey an authority figure could easily result in instant death, or a horrific beating.

With this in mind let’s read Acts 4:19-20 and check out how Peter and John reacted:

• But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

This is the deal: Peter and John declared that they clearly knew what the right thing was for them to do. However they were under tremendous pressure, and they needed the power to do the right thing.

• Acts 4:29-31 says, “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, “by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Notice that they didn’t pray that the problem would go away. Their prayer was selfless; they were totally committed to the mission that God had given to them; therefore they prayed for the power to continue under pressure, and it was granted.

Just like Peter and John all of us will encounter situations in our lives when we are under pressure, and it seems easier to just give in, go with the crowd, not speak up for the Lord, or any number of temptations which result in a compromise of our faith. God promises that through His Holy Spirit He will give us the power to do the right thing.

• Philippians 2:13~ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Our part only involves two very simple steps:

• Pray
• Do the right thing.

By Morris Brison