FAITH IN ADVERSITY ACTS 12:1-19 Acts 12 is a scary time in life of church in Jerusalem. A church helpless in its ability turns to the ONE who is able and has moved among them in the past. I. PERSECUTION 12:1-4. This the fourth persecution recorded in book of Acts. This one differs because it was instigated by the Roman government, King Herod specifically. Jews roared with approval when Herod put James to death. So he decided to arrest Peter and turned the jail into a maximum security prison. II. PRAYER 12:5. This news strikes at the heart of the church. Herod had closed the doors to the prison but he could NOT close the doors to heaven! Instead of getting up in arms, they got on their knees. III. PATIENCE 12:6. We find Peter bound by chains to two soldiers, guards posted at door of jail cell, Peter is sleeping. Herod’s security system could not stop God vs. 8-11 IV. POWER 12:11-17, 24. These verses tell dramatic story of power of prayer and protection of God on behalf of apostle Peter. Note of humor in 12:14-16: Getting out of prison was easier for Peter than getting into prayer meeting. Prayer is act of faith that not only brings our circumstances to God but waits in expectation. Prayer ties the heart of the Christian tot he heart of God, inviting Him into our daily lives and moments.