The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods. When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, who, having received such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened. Acts 16:22'26 WEB.A girl with a spirit of divination followed Paul and Silas around the city of Philippi for many days. She discerned that they were God's messengers, and she told the people about them, but her words came from an evil source. Paul became "greatly annoyed" and commanded the evil spirit to leave her. It did, and that is when the fight started.
Paul and Silas were beaten by the mob, then they were dragged through the streets, had their clothes torn off, and then beaten some more with rods. After this, they were thrown into a cold dark prison, and their feet locked in stocks. They had confronted the kingdom of darkness and then faced a counterattack from the enemy, who worked through his people just as God works through His.
Paul and Silas were in a tight spot. If there was ever a reason to complain, they had one. They had done nothing wrong, to begin with, but this is a spiritual war. Instead of complaining, they prayed and sang hymns to God, and soon their captivity was changed. In fact, they led some of the people in the jail to the Lord and the magistrates then came and apologized to them. It was a victory. They faced adversity with the right attitude, they overcame, and they led people to Jesus.
When the going gets tough, it is easy to throw up your hands and say, "I have had enough! Why serve God any longer? It brings me nothing but more trouble." Yet this is not a time for wandering away, it is a time of drawing closer. We are in a battle and God is our refuge in our time of trouble. We should pray more, not less. When the going gets tough, the tough start praying and singing praises to God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please teach me Your truth and help me to see what You see. Help me to find my place in the body and put me where I will make the most impact for You. Here I am, Lord, use me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6) ~ If you are in need of prayer, we and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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Most all of us have heard this story many times and know the lesson it leaches well. However, in light of the world we are faced with living in today, it serves us well to look back on this and learn the lesson again. Our trials are usually nowhere near what Paul and Silas endured but we need to continue to praise God and pray together. I feel strongly that our faith will be tested even more in the years to come.
Amen, Carl! Preparing now to be ready!
Amen
Amen. Heavenly Father, I put You first in all things. Thank You for your Grace and Mercy over my life. Amen
Praise the Lord. To whom I give the glory for my
many blessings. Amen!
Praise you Jesus for being so wonderful to us.We love you. Amen
I'm going through a land battle now. I almost gave up, and said " I've had enough " but I ask God for forgiveness and today its going better because God s looking out for me and my children. In Jesus Name, Amen
Praying for your continued strength and victory, Wanda!
Amen!
WHAT WOULD WE GO THROUGH TO CONTINUE THE GOSPEL ? MY GOD ! TALK ABOUT STEADFASTNESS IN THE LORD, LOOK AT THIS...WOULD WE AS CHRISTIANS TODAY DO WHAT THESE MEN OF GOD DID ? THINK ABOUT OUR TRAILS, OUR CAUSES, OUR LIVES...MAY WE HOLD FIRM TO OUR FAITH IN THE LORD, JESUS AND GOD THE FATHER, AND INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE WITH US DAILY. AMEN XO
Amen Good Morning Everyone Have A Bless Day
Amen! So true!!
Important truth, Pastor Dion! We are in a battle and God is our refuge in our time of trouble. We should pray more, not less. Lord, draw near to me and hear my prayers of praise! Amen!
Amen!!
Amen thank you so much for your faithfulness and your guidance show me where to go and I will follow you.
Heavenly Father for You are with me in every battle with the enemy, I thank You for all you are doing in me to be closer to Your Holy will. In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. Thank You Lord, don't leave me or forsake me, Amen.
Pastor awesome devotional, thank you and Sylvia do for us, God bless you both. Amen.
Help me always do your will Amen
Yes, amen Lord, use me where You see fit.
Amen
Amen!
Amen and Amen !!! Yes, Lord, please use me despite of myself and all of my shortcomings, and please enlarge my borders just as Jabez prayed, in the name of Jesus, Amen and Amen !!!