Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. (Acts 12:1-6)
Herod had killed James. James was one of the big three (Peter, James, and John) that Jesus took with Him everywhere. James was martyred because Herod was trying to become more popular with the Jews. He persecuted and killed Christians to get the approval of the crowd. People involved in the world’s system still attack Christians to gain greater favor with the world’s system. Peter was close to James, and his death must have been a shock. On top of the emotional pain of knowing that one of his best friends was now gone, Peter was imprisoned, and Herod planned to do the same to him as he did to James.
What did Peter do in such a situation? Was he crying out to God, travailing in prayer, begging the four guards that were stationed around him to spare his life? No. Peter was snoring.
Even in a prison cell, Peter had no fear. Even after his friend was killed, Peter allowed the peace of God to guard his mind and his heart, so he was not concerned about what man would do to him. He knew God had a plan, and he knew people were praying.
Practical Application
Don’t allow fear to take control. Refuse to give fear the time of day. Take time today to write two or three Scriptures addressing that fear and keep the paper with you. When the fear tries to attack, take those Scriptures out and speak them out loud. Declare peace and walk in it.