“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison. The jailer… put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
“About midnight [they] were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’
“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer… and all his household were baptized… he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.” Acts 16:22-34
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14
Paul knew prison. He also knew the gospel. Jesus was his life beat. His imprisonment was just another opportunity to spread the good news. Rather than rue his captivity, and fluster at their own weakness and difficulties, the Philippians could look at circumstances as opportunities to let God work and advance the gospel.
Situations where we’re hard-pressed, limited by discouragement or inability, captive to harsh authority or civil unrest, make for natural squirming. But as God’s children, we can know He plants us as light in dark places. There He makes Himself known and prepares us for further service. He encourages faith in others to support, pray, give, act boldly. He reforms our outlook to welcome God’s good instruments of sanctification. He loosens our grip on worldly things and creates longing for what’s eternal. Sometimes confinement is time and space to pray and write, to learn contentment. (Genesis 39:20-23; Ephesians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:9-11; 3:7-8,10,14,20-21; 4:11)
Where are we currently ‘in prison’? Suffocating in a difficult marriage or work situation? Pressured by complicated health issues, or challenging relationships? Are we pent up with bitterness, jealousy, or fear that’s paralyzing practical and spiritual progress?
What is God revealing about ourselves, or His intentions for us? How is He teaching us to love others better and trust Him more? For what new service might He be preparing us? Looking with hope to bring life to others often awakens it in ourselves.
Lord, may I use dark places and unwanted confinement You ordain to sow seeds of life and light, to Your praise.
As the rain and snow 