February 9, 2012 (Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts 16:25 NLT
Observation: Paul and Silas had been stripped and severely beaten with wooden rods by a mob that formed because Paul cast a demon out of a female fortune-teller. They were thrown into prison and the jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to the Lord when an earthquake shook the prison so much so that the chains that bound every prisoner fell off. The jailer, fearing that all the prisoners had escaped, was going to take his life when Paul shouted out to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
Application: Paul and Silas had had a great bad day. They preached the gospel, cast out a demon, freed a young girl from oppression, and ended up being beaten and cast into prison. Yet when most of us would have been having a “why me” pity party, Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God. It was truly an earth shattering moment. In the midst of all that had went on the day before, God was starting a new day for them with souls to win. The jailer and his entire household were saved and baptized that night. Paul and Silas quickly understood why they ended up in prison at that hour. God can use any situation to reach those whom He has called, our job is to pray, sing to the Lord, and experience the power of His might, whatever happens.
Prayer: Dear Lord You are awesome! You provide and protect me daily with Your mercy and grace. I thank You and praise You for who You are and all the things You do. Help me to remember in the darkness of midnight, You are there, and You are working. May I remember to pray and sing to You when trouble surrounds me, and may You send an earth shattering manifestation of Your Spirit to deliver me, in Jesus name, Amen!