Today’s Reading, Acts 16-17
Focal Scripture: Acts 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”
We all face difficult situations and seasons in life. When we face these difficulties we all have a response. Sometimes we respond privately and demonstrate the anguish we are going through to God alone. Other times we respond in the public square. When we do respond publicly we are being watched. Our families are looking to see how we react when life gets difficult. Our reaction will teach our spouses and our children how to handle difficulty, will it be in faith or distress. Our families are not the only people watching how we respond. We will have strangers and acquaintances wanting to see if our faith is only true when it’s convenient or if it flows from our very being.
In today’s reading Paul and Silas are thrown into prison because of casting out a demon from a slave girl. While they are in prison their response is not despair and anguish. It is prayer and singing. This was not done quietly, as the text tells us, the prisoners were listening to them. You have people in chains who are in despair and you have these two believers having church. Without direct evangelism Paul and Silas were demonstrating how to have joy and a heart of worship.
I have no idea what you are going through personally right now but I do know this for a fact. You are being watched by someone in your sphere of influence. If you claim to be a believer your response to loss, death, finical ruin, marriage problems and even health problems is telling a story. It is either a story of faith and resilience or it is a story of despair and doubt.
I am not saying you can’t have moments of frustration. I am not saying you can’t be overwhelmed by your situation. What I am saying is that when people examine your response to difficulties is it full of faith in God or is it demonstrating a lack of trust. Our desire should be to respond like Paul and Silas. We should be in a constant state of prayer and worship. This attitude will not only impact others but fundamentally change us to be more like Christ.
If you struggle in this area of your walk know you’re not alone. To change your response you must learn the art of trust and faith. Trust in the Lord knowing he has your best interest at heart. Have faith that your difficulties have a purpose. When this connects with your mind and heart, you will be a walking testimony.
Serve the Lord and know that we go through difficulties to grow our faith and to demonstrate his faithfulness.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Acts 18-20
