Acts 12:24 (KJV) But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Ave a read of this chapter and we can see that GOD works despite circumstances. He uses adverse situation, orchestrated by the devil, to bring gory to Himself and in the end brings judgement to those who are against Him. Looking at the whole book of Acts and church history we can see that persecution resulted in the furtherance of the gospel and salvation of people. The church grows when persecution comes. In this Chapter James was killed and Peter imprisoned. What can be done? Despair? No, they called out to the LORD continuously 
Acts 12:5 (KJV) Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
In James it says James 5:13 (KJV) Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
When we face persecution or suffer in any other way the LORD wants us to focus on Him and pray. To seek Him and not to give up. Hebrews 13:5b (KJV) … and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. He is always there interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25 (KJV) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.)
Praise the LORD, He works it all out for good (Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.), even for James who was killed has become a testimony of faith in the gospel and great gains for Him Philippians 1:21 (KJV) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Let us be encouraged to follow Jesus more and more by these examples.