In Good Hands

Key Takeaways

The hands of the world may look powerful, but the hands of Jesus are truly powerful.

• Jesus' hands are certain, guiding, attentive, and stronger than any worldly power.

• We have a choice between putting ourselves in the world's hands or in Jesus' hands.

• God's sovereignty isn't a formula, but his purposes for our lives are secure in Christ.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  How does the story of Davis Ellis and the Allstate slogan relate to our understanding of being in God's hands? What does it mean to truly be 'in good hands' spiritually?

• Question 2

  How does Peter's ability to sleep peacefully in prison challenge our own responses to difficult circumstances? What fears or anxieties are you struggling to entrust to God?

• Question 3

  Pastor John said, “Every time the church grabs the world's hand for security, it lets go of Jesus'.” How have you seen this play out in history or in contemporary Christian culture?

• Question 4

  In what areas of your life do you need to trust in the 'lamp to your feet' guidance of God, even when you can't see the full path ahead?

• Question 5

  In light of James' execution and Peter's rescue, how do we grapple with seemingly unfair or inconsistent outcomes in our prayers and experiences?

• Question 6

  The sermon concludes by comparing our redemption stories to Peter's prison escape and Jesus' resurrection. How does viewing your life through this lens change your perspective on your struggles and victories?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : In Good Hands

READING :

Psalm 31:1-5, 14-15

DEVOTIONAL :

Just as Peter found himself in chains but ultimately in God's caring hands, we too can trust in the Lord's protection. Reflect on areas of your life where you feel imprisoned by fear, doubt, or circumstances. How might surrendering these to God's "good hands" change your perspective?

APPLICATION :

Consider writing a prayer of trust, echoing David's words: "My times are in your hands." Remember, no prison of this world can contain God's love and power.

Day 2 : The Power of Earnest Prayer

READING :

James 5:13-18

DEVOTIONAL :

The early church prayed fervently for Peter's release, demonstrating the power of united, persistent prayer. What situations in your life or community need this kind of earnest intercession? Take time to pray intensely for these needs, believing that God hears and responds.

APPLICATION :

Consider gathering a small group to pray together, embodying the church's example in Acts. How might this practice deepen your faith and connection to others?

Day 3 : Unexpected Deliverance

READING :

Isaiah 43:1-3

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter's miraculous escape reminds us that God's deliverance often comes in unexpected ways. Reflect on times in your life when God has rescued you from difficult situations. How did these experiences shape your faith? Meditate on Isaiah's words of God's presence through waters and fires.

APPLICATION :

Consider any current challenges that you need to entrust to God's unexpected but faithful deliverance.

Day 4 : Triumph of God's Word

READING :

Isaiah 55:10-11

DEVOTIONAL :

Despite opposition, "the word of God increased and multiplied." God's truth prevails even in the face of worldly power. How have you seen God's word triumph in your life or in the world around you? Consider areas where you might be tempted to trust in worldly strength rather than God's enduring truth.

APPLICATION :

Commit to spending extra time in Scripture today, allowing God's living word to take root and multiply in your heart.

Day 5 : Hands Pierced for Our Salvation

READING :

John 20:24-29

DEVOTIONAL :

The sermon reminds us that Jesus' hands, pierced for our salvation, are the safest place for our lives. Meditate on Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ. How does Jesus' invitation to touch his wounds speak to your own doubts or fears? What does it mean for you, practically, to live each day from this place of security in Christ's sacrifice and triumph?

APPLICATION :

Spend time in prayer, imagining yourself placing your life into Jesus' scarred but victorious hands.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

People: I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

Confession of Faith

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Confession of Sin

Merciful Father, we confess that we often trust the strong hands of the world more than the pierced hands of Jesus. We crave control, seek approval, and grasp for power—forgetting that your hands alone are safe, strong, and good. We doubt your purposes, dismiss your power, and downplay your grace. Forgive us. Deliver us from fear. Teach us to rest, surrender, and live as those held firmly in your hands. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Psalm 2