And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage.
Acts 4:31 AMP
The Inspiration:
A lame man had just been healed. A man who had never walked was now walking, leaping and praising God. Even the Jewish leaders of that time, who constantly opposed Jesus when he was on earth could do nothing to deny the miracle that had happened. This is what happens when God intervenes in a man's life and changes his story. There is no life so bad or situation so dire that it cannot be reversed by God. Even death, which we call final, is not the final bit with God. He raises from the dead, and by his death and resurrection, has sealed eternal life for all who come to trust in Jesus. Is Jesus the Lord and Master of your life? Does He own you? Until He is, you may get some blessings in life but they will not lead you to eternal life. The leaders at this time wanted the disciples to stop speaking about Jesus, but when a man has experienced the amazing, he cannot keep quiet. When you have received the original, every other option is a waste of time.
The Contention:
The disciples were threatened, but rather than keep quiet, they told the leaders that they would press on with the assignment they had been given. The One who sends out is the one to be feared and honoured, not the one to whom the message is sent. The leaders could not deny the miracle, but they wanted the message stopped. They warned the disciples not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus and let them go. The disciples returned to the others and reported what had happened, and rather than moan and complain, they prayed. What a response; with death and danger staring them in the face, they looked up to God. All around them, things were looking terrible, but as long as they were focused on God, things were going to be alright. My eyes must be fixed on Jesus, and my life must seek to give Him glory everyday. The best use of a life is to spend it for the One who gives life. Any other venture is a waste of time.
The Conclusion:
It is not a wonder that when the disciples prayed, God moved. There is nothing that moves God more than sincere prayers from the heart, with a desire to please Him. If you will cry, please cry, but make sure you pray. If you will talk to someone about it too, make sure you talk to God too. The disciples did so too: they reported to the others, and then they prayed. God moved, and the place where they met was shaken. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to believers in these times, and He is an indispensable part of my walk with and work for God. Be expectant when you pray; ask God in faith for anything you want. Live in total obedience and surrender to the will of God, and see Him do wonders in your life. God moves when we invite Him to do so; when He moves, there is unlimited power available. When He backs you up, there is no room for fear. Don't dare launch out without the full backing of God. Time spent in prayer is never a waste. It is wise to invest in prayer, so I can live a life of purpose. God's time of favour is here.
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