Day 286: Acts 23:23–35

“Get 200 soldiers ready with 70 cavalry and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Also provide mounts so they can put Paul on them” (vv. 23–24).

We have already had a number of occasions to consider God’s creativity in terms of His methods of delivery. He can shake the foundations of a prison, or He can employ the Roman cavalry to accompany a servant out of town. But note one constant that Paul addressed in his second letter to the Corinthians: “We have placed our hope in Him that He will deliver us again. And you can join in helping with prayer for us” (2 Cor. 1:10–11 hcsb). Never underestimate the effects of intercessory prayer lifted for our deliverance. Never underestimate the effects of your prayers for others.

The year I began working on this study of Paul, my heart was torn to pieces over a devastating loss. For several months no one outside our family and friends knew about it. Because the wound was so fresh, we were not yet able to tell the story. Letters poured in from all over the nation saying something like this: “God has placed a heavy burden on my heart for Beth and her family. I do not know what is wrong, but I’m praying for them.” I could hardly believe it. Once we shared more openly about our loss, we learned that literally thousands of people were praying for us. I am absolutely certain those prayers delivered us from the pit of despair. Many times my soul would sink in grief. I’d feel like I was about to descend into depression. But each time I began to slip, I sensed something like a supernatural net disallowing me to descend another inch.

God can deliver anyone from anything at any time. He doesn’t need any help. Yet He invites us to be part of His great work through prayer. If we don’t intercede for one another, we miss opportunities to see His deliverance and thank Him for His faithfulness. I like to call this God’s profit-sharing plan. When we pray for one another, we share the blessings when deliverance comes because we’ve been personally involved. Their thanksgiving becomes our thanksgiving.

Many scholars believe Paul wrote 2 Corinthians on his third missionary journey, prior to his arrest in Jerusalem. If so, the Corinthians’ prayers were actively involved in Paul’s deliverance. He rode in style to Caesarea, surrounded by soldiers, horsemen, spearmen, and the prayers of the Corinthian Christians.