The Church Response To Crisis

“And when they had been released, they went to their own companions, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is Thou who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Thy servant, didst say,

'Why did the Gentiles rage,
And the peoples devise futile things?
'The kings of the earth TOOK THEIR STAND,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord, and against His Christ.'

"For truly in this city there were gathered together against Thy holy servant Jesus, whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Thy hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur. "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence, while Thou dost extend Thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Thy holy servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:23-31

Peter and John had just received a stern, menacing warning from the Sadducees and religious rulers. They could have reacted in natural, human fear and run from the Sadducees’ serious and very real threats. Or they could have strategized and plotted, trying to outwit the authorities and hide their witnessing.

Instead, the apostles returned to their fellow believers, told them what happened, and immediately bowed to the Lord in prayer. What was the result? God gave them grace and turned difficulty into an opportunity to focus His people on the right goals.

They asked God to give them boldness in their faith. Instead of asking the Lord to protect them and keep them safe from harm, the church was moved by these trying circumstances to ask for strength to face the challenge head on. God answered their prayers and stirred the whole congregation into excitement about sharing the Gospel.

The pattern of “trouble-shooting’ in this first church crisis applies today. He wants to turn every trial into an opportunity for growth, individually and corporately.

Seek God’s will in prayer with fellow Christians. He will develop unity of purpose in your congregation and reveal His gracious plans for you.