“After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they all raised their voices to God and said, “Master, You are the One who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.” Acts 4:23‭-‬24‭, ‬29‭-‬31

To quote a famous book, “it was the best of times and it was the worst of times”. Peter and John had had a FANTASTIC ministry day by anyone’s standards. A begger who everyone knew couldn’t walk-one who’d sat by the temple gate for decades begging for money to support himself with had approched them. After just one phrase, “In the Name of Jesus, rise and walk”, the confirmed cripple became a confirmed miracle recipient! He jumped, ran and walked in front of all Jerusalem. Peter caught the crowd’s attention and told them the story of redemption, beginning with Abraham and continuing thru Jeaus. So many people were touched by Peter’s presentation that the Bible says that 5,000 people were saved! It was a great day but the devil’s backlash for this miracle was huge! The religious leaders were so jealous of the two that they had them arrested, interrogated and held in jail til morning. After being released for lack of amything to charge them with, Peter and John, along with all of the other believers CRIED OUT TO GOD! But check out what they prayed for–well check out what they DIDN’T pray for!

They DIDN’T pray to not be jailed! They DIDN’T pray to be saved from persecution! They PRAYED that God would,

“consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete BOLDNESS, while YOU (that would be GOD) stretch out your hand for HEALING, SIGNS and WONDERS . . .” They CRIED OUT for BOLDNESS in the face of persecution and for GOD TO WORK THRU THEM! Verse 31 records that they got what they asked God for-boldness and the infilling of the Holy Spirit!

Peter and John CRIED OUT to God and He SHOWED UP for them! What do YOU need for Him to do for you today?

Think about it!