There are times when our lives are thrust into situations that, from every angle, are overwhelming, unfair, painful, and unbearably dark. If we patiently endure, these defining moments in life, God will reveal His power. He will unveil deeper truths and principles, and strengthen our faith in Him. Equipped with new faith, wisdom, understanding and knowledge of God, we are then ready to soar with wings as eagles. In everything give thanks, for there is something good that is being worked out. There is always something good waiting. Just wait upon God, pray, and watch His mighty work accomplish great things. This world is like a training ground for something profoundly greater than we can envision.
Let’s examine a brief backdrop of the situation in an account recorded in Acts16 KJV. The Spirit of Jesus led Paul and Silas from town to town to minister to the churches, ultimately strengthening their faith in Jesus. Paul received a vision one night about a man in Macedonia who needed help. Paul and Silas dutifully brought glad tidings of the Gospel to a Roman colony in the chief city, Philippi. While they were there, they ministered to and baptized many people. They delivered a slave woman from a spirit of divination. Her owners, who profited by the woman’s foretelling, became angry for their loss. They wrongfully accused Paul and Silas of breaking laws and customs and had them thrown into prison. They were stripped, beaten, and then cast into the inner prison, their feet bound by stocks.
Paul and Silas were violently thrust into a frightful situation. It was dark. They had been beaten. They were deep in the inner prison. They were bound by stocks and guarded. They were wrongly accused. They were there because they obeyed God. Undeniably, a very dark night had descended upon them!
It was the darkest hour of night. At midnight, as prisoners were listening, Paul and Silas began to pray and sing hymns giving praise to God. Ah!! This is key. In spite of everything they were going through, this was their attitude and response. So what did God do? He shook a little dirt and a few nerves. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake and the foundations of the prison were shaken. All of the doors were opened and all of the shackles were unfastened. All prisoners were freed!
For fear that the prisoners had escaped; the startled guard drew his sword to end his life. Paul shouted, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer, horrified, fell down and asked, “What is necessary for me to do that I may be saved?”
Paul answered the jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” After they shared the Word of the Lord with him and to all that were in his house, they went to the water and were baptized.
The darkest of night isn’t a match for the Day Star that shines within our hearts. Darkness only makes it more brilliant! Jesus is our Day Star, He is the bright and Morning Star and the light of the world. When we remember that all things work together for good to them who love the Lord, we receive strength and comfort. A relationship with Jesus, and keeping the living Word of God in our hearts, gives us power to overcome every situation.
My desire is that you pray with me and that you receive comfort and hope. Dear Holy Lord and Savior, who deserves all glory, honor, and praise. The Heavens and Earth are yours. Nothing is impossible for you. Therefore, nothing is impossible to those who place their trust in you. We will live in the shadow of the Almighty and find refuge and peace. Humbly, before the Most High, do we ask that you lead us into all truth. Thy Word is truth. Open our eyes to see the light and beauty of your presence. Save us from this evil day. We live in you, Lord. We remember you and all you sacrificed, your only son, so that we could return to you and not be ashamed. Thy Kingdom come—quickly. We long to see you and forever be where you are. Protect our families and all of our loved ones. Keep your eyes upon us. Increase our faith. Give us the courage we need in today’s lawless generation. In the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for you are with us; the one who spoke the world into existence and calls all of the stars by their names. In Jesus name, amen.
veracityquest 