“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard
them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” Acts 16:23-26
A very inspiring and very popular story/testimony of how singing and praising God brings great blessings! In this unique story (better read from verses16-34), St Paul and Silas had casted out the evil spirit of divination from a young lady who brought much gain to her master through that-vs 16,18. As a result of this, Paul and Silas were:1- falsely accused, 2-strongly beaten, 3-chained and thrown into the prison (vs 22-24). What a harsh experience/persecution for serving God and doing right before God! This could have warranted discouragement on Paul and Silas. How would you have reacted if you faced any of the above three painful things for the sake of the good you did?
But see what Paul and Silas did, instead of complaining and being angry with God for allowing these mal treatments upon them, they rather chose to sing to, pray and praise God at midnight! El-roi, the God that sees me, saw them and was moved by their love and praise to Him amid such strong trial! Blessings:1) Earthquake of the prison, 2) ALL the prison doors were open, 3) their chains were loosened including that of other prisoners, hence, 4) other prisoners benefited from their praise to God, and finally 5) (the most important) the jailer and his family were converted to faith in Christ, glory to God! What a blessing of praising God amid trial-the blessings are much more than the trials or difficulty they faced! (compare Rom.8:18; 2Cor.4:17-18).
Awesome indeed!
May we learn from this great and inspiring scripture to always praise God and even sing and praise Him more during time of trial and difficulty instead of complaining or blaming others or being angry with God! God dwells in the midst of praises of His people and knows how to deliver His own and turn around what the enemy planned for evil to work for our good, hallelujah glory to God! – Psalm 22:3; Rom. 8:28. [Remember that in all things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us – Rom. 8:37!]
As you sing to, thank and praise God at all times, and especially during trial or difficult times, may He show up and do amazing things for YOU like He did for Paul and Silas from the above very inspiring story, and even beyond your imagination, all to God’s glory, in Jesus’ name, amen and amen.
Have a blessed, victorious, joyful praise-full and fruitful weekend and daily life in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Raymond Adonai
