Have you ever met someone who seemed completely calm while facing something you’d consider terrifying? We see an incredible example of this in Acts 12.
Peter is chained between two guards, in a maximum-security prison, awaiting what appears to be certain execution. If there was ever a time to panic, this was it. Yet when the angel comes to set him free, Peter is sleeping so deeply that the angel has to strike him to wake him up.
When we think of Acts 12, we usually focus on the miracle of Peter’s chains falling off and the prison doors opening. That truly was amazing—but Pastor Barry reminded us there was an even bigger miracle in this story: Peter’s peacebefore the rescue.
Peace Before the Breakthrough
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes about the peace of God that “surpasses all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds. This is exactly what Peter was experiencing in that cell. His peace wasn’t based on his circumstances—it came from trusting God’s sovereignty.
That night, Peter could rest because he knew his life was in God’s hands. Whether God delivered him immediately or brought him home to glory, Peter was safe in the Father’s plan. That’s not resignation—that’s deep, unshakable faith.
When God’s Answers Look Different
Earlier in the same chapter, James is executed. The same church that prayed for Peter likely prayed for James too—yet their outcomes were different. Does that mean God loved Peter more? Absolutely not.
God’s love is constant. His plans are unique for each of us. For James, it was time to receive his eternal reward. For Peter, God still had work for him to do on earth. Hebrews 11 reminds us that some heroes of faith escaped the sword, while others were put to death by it—yet both were commended for their faith.
Praying with Expectation
The church prayed “earnestly” for Peter (Acts 12:5), yet when he stood at the door, they thought it was impossible. How often do we do the same? We pray but secretly wonder if God will actually move.
Prayer isn’t about reciting perfect words—it’s about bringing our hearts to God and trusting His response. Sometimes the answer is a miracle in the moment; sometimes it’s the grace to endure until the miracle comes. Both are evidence of His care.
Peace Is Also a Miracle
We all want the chains to fall off immediately. But there’s another kind of miracle we should value just as much the ability to rest, smile, and worship even while the chains are still on.
Peace in the waiting is a testimony to the world. It says, “My God is faithful, and I trust Him—no matter how long it takes.”
Living This Out
Pray both ways — Ask God for breakthrough, but also for strength and peace until it comes.
Trust His timing — His plan for you is personal, perfect, and never late.
Practice constant prayer — Don’t limit your connection to God to one time slot; keep the conversation going all day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Refuse the comparison trap — God’s love for you is not measured against His actions in someone else’s life.
Your Turn
What chains are you facing right now—fear, sickness, financial struggle, broken relationships?
Take them to God in prayer today. Believe He can set you free, and while you wait, ask Him to fill you with the peace that let Peter sleep in the storm.