About midnight Paul and Silas
were praying and singing hymns to God.
Acts 16:25
Praise will see us through any situation. Paul and Silas were beaten and
arrested; there is no doubt that they were having a really bad day.
While their bodies may have been held captive their spirits certainly
were not. Their minds and hearts were not set on themselves and their
own comfort, but on the work at hand. In the midst of a prison cell,
they sang out praises to God so that all could hear. When the Earth
shook and those prison doors were opened, it would have been easy for
them to make an escape. They could have looked out for number one and
left. Instead they stayed and shared the gospel of love with the jailer,
who was eager and hungry to receive it. They could have easily said,
"It's not my problem". Mercy and compassion were evident in their
actions, as a result the man's life was changed that day, as well as his
family. When they were released, they didn't get angry and demand
justice for the un-justice done to them. They became conquerors over the
situation, as God gave them the strength and the faith. Regardless of
the circumstance that imprisons us, we can make a choice to allow God to
use us to impart his love and mercy, bringing glory and honor to Him.
Prayer
Forgive me for complaining about my circumstance, and help me to see
deeper within them the work you are accomplishing as I travel through
them. Help me to see opportunity instead of gloom, and to remain focused
on the goal. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
With all of my heart I praise Your Holy name! Amen.
