Don’t Panic

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? (Acts 4:24-25)

Every Christian has faced a moment when they encountered resistance for standing firm in their faith. Perhaps it was their belief in healing, or maybe it was their insistence on speaking the truth while those around them accepted lies. Persecution is a part of what we endure when we stand for God’s Word.

In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested and threatened for speaking and healing in Jesus’ name. How did the church respond when they heard such news? When faced with threats and attacks, they didn’t react with retaliation, fear, or cowardice. Instead, they raised their voices first in prayer, seeking to understand the situation from God’s perspective. Immediately following that, they began to quote the Word of God, referencing Psalm 2, and acknowledging that opposition against God and His people was nothing new.

Acts 4:24-25 teaches us a powerful principle: when believers encounter opposition, we should respond by using the Word of God. The early church didn’t dwell on the threats against them; instead, they focused on God’s victorious truth. Praying the Word aligns our hearts with God’s will and fills us with boldness.

When trials arise, we can learn from the early church. They didn’t panic—they prayed. They didn’t argue—they aligned with God’s Word. They didn’t shrink back—they boldly proclaimed God’s truth.

Practical Application

Regardless of the difficulty you face, pray the Word of God. When you feel intimidated or inferior, pray the Word of God. When challenges seem insurmountable, pray the Word of God. Praying the Word changes your perspective, enhances your power, summons angels to assist, and positions you for great things.

Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 2:1

Restoration is on Its Way

And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. (Genesis 24:1)

As followers of Jesus, we are heirs of Abraham's blessings. His life was marked with favor in all things. The question is: Are you living in the fullness of that blessing?

Just because you believe in God doesn't mean you’re experiencing all the blessings Jesus died to give you. We must listen to and follow everything God instructs us to do. The Bible shows that Abraham was blessed in every aspect of his life, meaning there wasn’t an area that lacked God’s favor. He experienced God’s provision, protection, longevity, fruitfulness, and restoration of all that had been taken from him. However, Abraham’s blessing wasn’t solely for him; it was a covenant that extended to all his descendants, both natural and spiritual. Through Jesus Christ, we are included in that covenant. Like Abraham, you and I are called not just to experience isolated blessings from God. God desires for us to live in a continual flow of His favor. When we align ourselves with God’s will, acting in faith, we position ourselves to enjoy the fullness of His promises.

That doesn’t mean we won’t be attacked, but even after an attack, God intends for our restoration to be even greater. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, died, but God provided him with a new wife named Keturah, with whom he had six more sons! Where others might have expected Abraham’s story to end, God initiated a new beginning. You may have faced some setbacks lately—financial loss, the passing of loved ones, missed opportunities, or even broken relationships. Yet, the blessing of Abraham includes restoration. What was lost, God is recovering, and what was broken will be healed.

Practical Application

Expect and declare restoration for everything the enemy has stolen from your life. God is in the restoration business and aims to bring you a return. What has the enemy taken? Believe and declare that restoration with an increase is coming to you.

Psalm 112:1; Psalm 91:16

Redeemed To Receive the Blessing

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14)

Redemption involves more than just removing sin and defeating death. God’s redemption is about transforming the curse into blessings in our lives. God did not merely forgive us; He redeemed us. Many believers struggle because they live as though they are still under the curse, yet Christ has already paid the price to usher them into a life filled with blessings.

This means that everything the curse introduced—death, pain, destruction, sickness, poverty, and separation from God—has been entirely overcome and should no longer be a part of our earthly experience. Instead, we receive Abraham's blessing and the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The blessing of Abraham signifies our call to experience God’s blessings in every area of our lives. No aspect is meant to remain untouched by this blessing. Your family is meant to receive blessings; your finances are meant to flourish, and your job, along with the ministries and church you are involved with, is blessed.

The promise of the Holy Spirit is also received through faith as your faith connects with the Holy Spirit’s ministry. What is His ministry? He guides us into all truth, empowers us to walk in blessings, and activates grace in our daily moments. The Holy Spirit leads us into the empowered life that Jesus intended for all who follow Him.

Practical Application

Stop identifying with lack, sickness, or fear. That is not who you are or what you have been promised. Christ has redeemed you, so receive it! Speak and declare God’s promises over your life.

1 Peter 1:18; Revelation 5:9