While Peter and John were standing before the religious leaders, the religious leaders recognized their confidence, and they also understood that Peter and John were not educated according to their standard of education; however, they had been with Jesus. The man who was healed was also with them, and the religious leaders tried to accuse Peter and John, but they could not say anything against their faith in God because they could see the evidence of the healing of the crippled man. So they called Peter and John and commanded them to stop speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. Peter answered them, "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to God? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." The religious leaders then threatened Peter and John and let them go. Peter and John went to the rest of the believers and told them what had happened. They all rejoiced, praising God for the wonderful things that God had done. (Acts 4:13-31).
Regardless of the opposition that Peter and John encountered, they could not deny all the goodness that God had done in their lives. They rather suffer than disobey God. One of the lessons we can learn from this story is to listen to God rather than try to please others. In whatever we are doing today, we need to examine our hearts to see if we are pleasing God in what we are doing. As believers, we need to please God rather than others. It is easy to compromise our faith to please others, but as children of God, it is our responsibility to stand for what is right before God.
As we go through our day today, let us please God in whatever we do. Let us obey God and follow His ways. Let us become Peter and John that they rather suffer opposition than not obey God. May the Lord give us the strength and courage to stand for what is right before God so that He can use our life to shine His truth in this world and people may believe in Jesus and be saved.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering these questions, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you) Am I willing to please God than please others? How does God want me to live my life? Why is it important for me to listen to God rather than to others?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for encouraging me today to listen to you rather than to others. Please help me to obey you and do what is right before you. Please help me to make decisions that please you and guard my heart against willful disobedience. In Your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.