A Place for Prayer and a Path to Peace

Read Acts 16:16-34.  Ensnared in the innermost cells, one might expect Paul and Silas would be resigned to doom, but that is not how God or His people work.  Paul was certain that God works, even in negative circumstances for the benefit of those who believe in Him (Romans 8:28-9).  Maybe today, you find yourself trapped, overwhelmed with all that lies ahead or paralyzed by a bombardment of situations, I believe this story is for you.  Our faithful God has gone before you, and planned ahead, and will carry you. Nothing surprises our God and He will never leave or forsake you. 

    Paul and Silas prayed and they boldly sang praises to God in that cell. How unusual, what a juxtaposition, joy echoing from the walls of prison.  To praise in the Greek means to give thanks for God’s blessings.  They lifted God’s name, giving declarations of His goodness, and acknowledging His love and power.   They demonstrated their faith, they submitted to God’s sovereignty, and they trusted in the unknown because their God was known to them.  Anyone can react with joy when things are going well but having a relationship with Jesus gives us the joy from within to give thanks for our blessings during challenges.   This week, I received a text from someone who was responding to a myriad of trials, like a modern-day Paul.  During troubles, the person wrote, “in spite of everything, I thank God for everything I have.” This is a Christian response…giving praise to God amid struggle.

     At midnight, indirectly preaching to the other prisoners through prayer and song, the earth quaked. The prison’s foundation trembled, the doors flew open and chains were broken.  Church, when we pray and give God praise during times of trouble, we are ministering to others and as importantly our chains are broken, and our heart flings open and our faith grows deeper.  We may not see it in the gravity of the moment and that is why it is important to set time aside to pray, reflect, listen, and be still.  We need to look in our life’s rearview mirror acknowledging God’s hand in our day to day lives and then share those experiences with others.

    Considering the earthquake, the guard drew his sword prepared for resistance. Paul assured the panicked jailer that no one ran away.  Paul’s compassion deeply affected the jailer. He was so struck by the unwavering faith of Paul and Silas, the jailer pleaded, “What must I do to be saved?”  Paul answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”  The whole reason for this scene is in this moment…it is all about the jailer’s reaction.  Our sovereign God arranged this event for his salvation. 

     The events were counterintuitive.  They did not fight back, run, or not ask why, they remained faithful.  They showed compassion instead of self-preservation. Our instinct is to escape when trouble hits, but here we are reminded of the importance in staying put and raising the praise because in doing so others are rightly influenced.  Church, the earthquake had nothing to do with Paul and Silas’s freedom, it had everything to do with the jailer and his family salvation.  His attraction to Paul was magnetic and he desired what Paul and Silas possessed.    

     This is how I believe God wants us to be…natural magnets, drawing others to Him as God is drawing us closer.  In John 12, Jesus says, “I will draw all unto me.”  Church, no matter how far we may feel from God, as soon as we turn toward Him, we will know his loving nature and that domino effect will continue, encouraging others to feel the power of Jesus in us, and in turn creating their yearning to want what we have.  When we submit and trust God to direct our steps, we will know      God’s peace and we will pique the interest in those around us to want to know our God.  

      Do you see the irony in this story?  Paul and Silas were arrested but they did not need to be set free, they knew true freedom – freedom in Christ; the guard was the captive.   He was trapped and lost. It was after witnessing who God was through Paul that the jailer knew he wanted what they had.  Let’s be the catalyst for that too.  Let’s give God praise and sing whetting the appetites of others.  

     God used Paul’s and Silas’ situation for the sake of others. So today I ask, how is God using you?  Where is God putting you so that you can minister to others and as importantly how are you responding? Are you praising God?  Are you helping others see Jesus through your struggles?  

     I think it’s easy to hear this story and realize the importance of prayer, but we may miss the messages of being sensitive to God’s leading and keeping the right perspective during challenges. 

     At times we feel our foundation shaken, but in Christ we have an abundance of grace which will more than satisfy us, even when it seems that everything is against us.  Today I challenge us…when we are joyful let us sing God’s praises and when we are overwhelmed let’s sing God’s praises even louder because we know the Prince of Peace and the true meaning of joy.  And all God’s people say, amen.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Kerry

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