GOD IS OUR DELIVERER
GOD IS OUR DELIVERER
Acts 16:25-26 "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose."
What a shame and disgrace to be stripped upon and be beaten in public. Such is the humiliation and embarrassment if you are the victim. Adding to the pain and sorrow is when you are falsely accused by somebody without even allowed to defend yourself and you are thrown directly to prison fastened with chains on both hands and feet to make sure that you don't escape. These can lead to mental depression, and suicidal act if you are not strong to overcome.
In the book of Acts chapter 16, verses 22-25, Paul and Silas who were peaceful men and committed no crime were thrown into the inner cell put in a stock designed for holding the most dangerous prisoners in total security after which they were beaten and severely flogged by the crowd thru the order of the magistrates. It is so difficult to be in that condition while enduring the pain from the severe beatings they received. In spite of that, it didn’t stop them from serving God but instead turned to Him with hymns and prayer.
There are valuable lessons that we can learn from their experiences. First, they, who know their God would not need to fight back to their oppressor yet fully trust in Him for deliverance. Although they were bound and couldn’t move freely, that hasn’t stopped them from calling and praising the Lord. The second was they never complained why the Lord allowed such thing to happen and yet they are His servants. God does not always do unto us what we desire but we can assuredly rest on His promises that He will never leave nor forsake us for God continually know what is desirable for His people. In the end, the songs and prayer of Paul and Silas weren't the reason that there was a violent earthquake to cause the prison doors to open and let the chains of them and the prisoners came loose, but it was a demonstration of the miraculous power of God. He is our deliverer. Consequently, worship and prayer are powerful means that can move the hands of God to act and display His miracles during hostile situations. Despite of their unpleasant circumstances, God was exalted and glorified in their sufferings. Through them, the guard and his whole family came to know and believed in the Lord. So, no matter what our situation, we should praise God. Others may come to Christ because of our example. Do not let your trials hinder you from doing the will of God. You may feel sad because of what happened but never let your sadness put you down and still you from serving. One important thing to consider and ponder is, to let the Lord accomplished His purposes in us according to His way and not our way. Note, that God would never put us into a situation that would destroy us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, Romans 8:38.” Rejoice! Take courage and be glad that God has called you and appointed you to be part of building His Kingdom. Your commitment to Him should be a do or die commitment. God Bless You!
