Daily Bible Verse ~ Acts 16:24-26

Posted On 2021-01-12

Acts 16:24‭-‬26 ESV Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.

What’s your response to adversity?

In prison, rather than moaning and weeping and crying out about their injustice, they worshipped the Lord. They worshipped through prayer and singing. It was so powerful that God caused an earthquake to happen that got them out of the prison. Later in this chapter it says the entire family of the jailer was saved.

Paul and Silas were wronged. They were falsely accused, beaten with rods, and thrown into prison. Being a Roman citizen, this was not a legal way to deal with them. Their response showed their faith. I’m sure Paul knew he would have his day in front of the authorities so he rested in that. He could have spent his time in jail demanding justice. But instead he prayer and sang.

As I look at this story today I can’t help but wonder what my response might be under similar circumstances. Do I have the faith to simply cry out to God and worship during difficult times, trusting him fully for the outcome? Or do I complain and get overwhelmed and frustrated trying to figure out how justice is going to be served.

We are in a very unusual time in our nation right now. There are those who believe the devil has won and is taking over our nation through political leaders. There are others who believe God is doing a mighty work and the enemies of the nation will soon fall. All the while there is arguing, violence, turmoil and chaos. Not a lot of praying and singing…

When we meet our challenges with joy, as the biblical writer James puts it, it tests our faith. James says, “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Perfect and complete! That means that when we fully rely on Christ, our joy will be full. Or peace will be full. Our hope will be full. We will be lacking no good thing. When we put our faith in who’s going to be the next leader of our country, or one political party or another. Or in our comfort our our stuff, we will be left completely unsatisfied.

Digging Deeper:

2Timothy 2:3-4 Daily Bible Verse ~ James 1:1-3

Apply It:

God calls his followers to not get entangled in civilian pursuits. Paul wires in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

So my encouragement to you today is to not get caught up in the affairs of men. To watch what’s happening around you with spiritual eyes rather than physical eyes and test everything you see and hear against the Spirit of God. When challenges hit you, and I know many already have, pray and sing! Just like Paul and Silas did in that prison cell, I encourage you to worship through whatever hardship and challenge you face right now.

Prayer:

Lord help me to live for you in the Spirit. When adversity comes I want ot have the joy to sing and pray and know that you are ultimately in control of all things. Be with me this day and give me opportunities to serve you better! Amen.