While Herod was dying, the church he had opposed so violently was multiplying. He certainly had more earthly power than they did, but God was with His church, and God’s purposes would not be stopped. We might lose heart and be short sighted, but may Acts 12 be a lesson in eternal perspectives. Herod is a mere footnote in history, but the church he tried to destroy is a global movement still multiplying today.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” In the short-term, things may look grim. Evil may seem to be winning. The church may appear to be hopeless. But when you belong to the One who is writing the story, you can trust Him with the ending. Yes, the forces of evil are big and powerful, but the purposes of God will prevail, and His mission will go on. Living for Him will never be in vain, so press on to serve His kingdom with confidence that He will win.

How would you live differently if you had full confidence in God’s power to win?