“Every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the Christ.”—Acts 5:42 NASB

The disciples knew their mission and were focused on accomplishing it, even while facing relentless opposition determined to silence them and restrict their actions.

Driven by jealousy, the high priest and other leaders had the disciples beaten and told them not to talk about Jesus. How did they respond? They did not go into hiding or flee for their lives but continued to speak, openly declaring the Gospel.

The high priest and his supporters were incensed and brought them before the Council. When the high priest questioned them and reminded them of the “strict orders” they had been given, Peter responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (vs. 27–29).

The disciples were flogged and ordered “not to speak in the name of Jesus.” And they immediately returned to their mission, preaching and teaching every day, everywhere God led them. They rejoiced “that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (vs. 40–41).

The disciples did not let anyone prevent them from fulfilling God’s call on their lives. They were not distracted but continued to serve Him faithfully.

This is the kind of focus that God wants in our lives. We can have a clear sense of His calling. We can also have a relentless determination to obey and serve Him, to be so focused that we do not let anything distract us.

Reflection Question: What distracts you, and how can you minimize those things?

“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 4:31 NASB

The ministry of Charles Finney brought revival throughout the United States in the 19th century. Why was his ministry so powerful? So effective? He pointed to the impact of prayer.

As soon as he arrived in a town, he looked for people who could pray for his ministry, people committed to prayer. He knew there could be no breakthroughs without prayer. Describing the impact, Finney once said, “Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together.”

In one town, he told of one woman in feeble health who “kept praying more and more” until she experienced a breakthrough. A revival broke out throughout that region, and many were saved.

In Antwerp, New York, few people had an interest in the things of God. Looking for people who would join him in prayer, Finney found only two or three women who were praying people. This might have seemed insignificant, but Finney knew that this was all he needed. They started praying, and revival broke out.

These experiences parallel the experience of the early church. When they gathered for prayer, “the place where they had gathered together was shaken.” Believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with boldness.

The Bible reminds us that God rewards people who seek Him through dedicated prayer. Truly powerful things can happen when we pray. Today, dedicate yourself to prayer—persistent, dedicated prayer.

Reflection Question: Write out your prayer for today.