Acts 12 shows the contrast between trusting in the Lord and rejecting the Lordship of Christ. Here, the believers are waiting on the Lord through persistent prayer (1 The 5:17) for Peter (verses 5 and 12). James was put to death with the sword, and it appeared Peter would also be martyred. Instead, Peter’s work on this earth was not complete, and the Holy Spirit sends an angel to Peter to rescue him from prison. Peter would live many more years leading the church in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Herod called himself a god (vs 22), and as a result, paid for his blasphemy with his life.
Scripture does not explain why Peter was rescued, but James was not. However, no matter how hopeless things may look, the Holy Spirit is always greater than every situation or circumstance. Today, find ways to submit control to the Lord through 1. persistent prayer. Then, 2. praise God in spite of the struggles you are submitting to the Lord. 3. Finally, petition the Lord for God’s grace to fill the situation you are praying about.
Nothing is too hard or too difficult for our God. Do not merely seek the Holy Spirit to get answers, seek the Holy Spirit because He longs to be with you. God will be honest with us when we are honest with him. Continue to trust in the Lord by waiting on him.