“The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely… 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. Immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” Acts 16:22-34
Paul and Silas knew God and fearlessly proclaimed His name. Providentially placed beaten and bloodied, in stocks, in a Philippian prison, they rejoiced in Him. Guards and prisoners heard their prayers, and words and melodies sung to God, and He stirred their hearts with holy fear. When miraculously released by an earthquake, rather than escape, these missionaries remained to finish the work their Lord intended, offering true freedom to those in spiritual chains.
The Sovereign God ordains many inconveniences and hindrances along our paths. We can get tripped by them and stew in frustration or anger, or we can choose to rejoice in Him and look for opportunities to spread His salvation message. We never know who is watching or listening, but we do know that His words never return void and that His praise illumines His glory. (Psalm 66:1-3; 145:1-13; Isaiah 43:10-12,21; 55:10-11)
Where are we presently confined or constrained? Do we chafe under circumstances that chain us to difficult bosses or a failing body? Are we rebelling against limited freedom to live life the way we want? Will we choose to rejoice there and shine Christ’s light?
When relieved of a hardship, or a term of suffering is over, do we immediately flee to comfort and ease? Or do I consider people met and lessons learned there, and how I might weave the gospel into that experience? To complete what God has planned takes an attitude of joyful hope, compassion for others, and expectancy in Him. It requires watchfulness, willingness, and selflessness, a greater interest in what God is doing over what I want to do. How need I adjust my mindset? (Romans 12:12; Philippians 2:3-4)
Lord, in gratitude for my freedom in Christ, may I boldly praise Your excellencies and proclaim salvation for all who are near.
As the rain and snow 