Acts 16:19-40 gives an account of Paul and Silas imprisoned for sharing the gospel, for teaching the things that Jesus commanded. They were stripped and beaten, publically ridiculed, rejected and sentenced to prison. There are a number of things they could’ve done such as retaliated or groaned and complained against their accusers! Instead, they chose to pray and praise God! “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” (v25) Even though they were persecuted for Christ they praised OUTLOUD!
So what happened? “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.” exclaimed, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.” (v27-28) It was this very moment that the keeper fell to his knees and accepted Christ as LORD of his life! By Paul and Silas praying and praising; giving God all the glory for their trials that this man came to accept Christ. He was SAVED! Paul & Silas could’ve been full of anger at the Lord for where they were, but instead they REJOICED! These chains of events were all temporary circumstances these men of Christ HAD to endure. The Lord God wasn’t punishing them for doing what was right; rather they sustained their afflictions for the purpose of sharing their testimony! This could’ve been a test by God, allowing these measures to happen. There are countless reasons we endure pain, affliction, persecution and so on. Paul said, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:6-8
Our response to things we face makes all the difference too! ”Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 The Lord was pleased that they chose to rejoice in the midst of what could’ve seemed unfair! How many times do we look at our situations and immediately begin to blame God? Do we honestly pray and praise the Lord the moment difficulties arise? Do you understand that He has a greater purpose for that which we withstand? “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:2
This situation for Paul & Silas was a testimony unto the Lord! Will you boldly stand in the midst of adversity and REJOICE that the Lord is not only using the things you face to build your faith and reliance upon Him, but ALSO TO SPEAK TO THOSE AROUND YOU! “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4
Perhaps it's taken you so long simply because God delayed you... His timing is ever perfect... and I needed this just now. Hmmm... seems God is reiterating a few things that I refuse to allow to sink in! :/ Gotta get it right! Thank you for sharing TB!
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