Believers' Character and Conduct, Machaira with Apostle Bennie, Prayer

EPISODE 1064 – HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO CHALLENGES?

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

Download PDF
Apostle Bennie
Author
Monday, 22nd December, 2025

HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO CHALLENGES?

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” 

Acts 12:5 (NKJV)

 
What is your first response to challenges or pressure from opposition?
 
Time and time again in scriptures, you will find God’s people responding to challenging situations with prayer.

Don’t give anyone room to underestimate the effectual workings of prayer.

One of the evidence that you have confidence in God’s ability is how you respond to situations through prayer.
 
Did you take time to pay attention to the opening verse?
 
Look at the full story:
 
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were [keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Acts 12:1-11 (NKJV)

— Herod decided to harass the Church, so he killed James, the brother of John.

— He saw the people were pleased, so he arrested Peter, and purposed to kill him after Passover.

— Nevertheless, the Church responded to this situation differently.

We didn’t see the response of the Church when James was arrested. It was likely they reacted in fear and only went to hide.

But when Peter was arrested, the Church responded with earnest, constant PRAYERS.

The earnest prayers of the brethren dispatched an angel to release Peter from prison. Considering the soldiers assigned to guard Peter in the prison and even outside the prison, it will only take a supernatural hand to deliver him.

No matter the challenge, get into prayer.

 In the place of prayer:

— You will receive strength.

— Your faith will be strengthened.

— You will receive direction as to what to do.

— You will see visions

— The great help and answers of God will be released.

Paul said to the Philippians:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4: 6-7 (NKJV).

Don’t cry, don’t be anxious, don’t worry, don’t fret, ONLY PRAY!

Nehemiah, when he was opposed, prayed to God.
When Daniel and his friends’ lives were under threat, they prayed to receive understanding of the King’s dream.
 
David prayed when he was under threat.
Jesus prayed when He was overwhelmed by the burden of His crucifixion, and He received strength.
 
It took prayer for Esther, Mordecai and the Jews to reverse Haman’s plot against them.
 
Beloved, refuse to be troubled; get into prayer.
The saints were together praying until they saw Peter at home.
 
“And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying” Acts 12:12
 
Pray earnestly until you have really prayed. Pray until you are fully convinced in your spirit that it is settled. 

Pray until you see the victory, not until you feel tired.

It means you may feel tired, but you have to continue earnestly in prayer.

GET INTO PRAYER!

DIG DEEPER
(Matthew 18:19; Isaiah 62:6-7; Esther 4:16; Daniel 2:15-18; Luke 22:39-46)
 
WE PRAY
That by the mighty hand of the Lord we shall see great victory in all situations, no matter the pressure and opposition.
 
BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2025
1 YEAR PLAN
1 Corinthians 7-9

2 YEARS PLAN
1 Chronicles 16

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– I don’t stagger in faith.
 
– By the strength of God, I prevail.
 
– With God I do valiantly.
 
– I don’t lack strength, I increase in strength by the day.
 
– I don’t consider the opposition or pressure, I turn to God.
 
Oh Hallelujah, Gloreeeey!!!

We'd love to connect with you!

To help you build a proper foundation of spiritual understanding.

Tags:
5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Simon Dotse
Simon Dotse
1 minute ago

Thank you Lord for this word… I don’t fret about challenges, I only pray

0
Reply

Related Posts

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x