Pastor Troy Dobbs contrasts theory and reality, demonstrating that while many Christians view persecution as theoretical, the early church and many believers today experience it as a daily reality. In Acts 4:23–31, after being threatened, the disciples responded by praying not for safety, but for boldness to keep proclaiming Jesus. Their prayer began with recognizing God’s sovereignty, was rooted in Scripture, and reflected deep confidence in His control over all things. God answered by shaking the place where they prayed and filling them with the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to speak with courage. The message reminds us that God’s sovereignty means nothing is random or beyond His power, even in the midst of suffering. Because of this, we can rest in His control and, like the early church, pray for strength and courage rather than comfort and ease.