As we meditate Acts 16, (verse 25) Paul and Silas showed us how to be unstoppable in God’s kingdom even in the middle of the storm but in all situations they praise God. They may be in prison but it’s never a trap for them in rejoicing and praising the Lord Jesus.
We may be in the storm but the storm is not us. We are called to PRAISE JESUS at all times.
Paul and Silas have been through a lot in their journey in God’s kingdom. They just followed the lead of the Holy Spirit, they didn’t have any idea to be in prison. If they’re walking in flesh, perhaps they already blamed God for what happened to them. But they never did because once they surrendered everything was not an accident but under God’s plan for their lives for His kingdom’s cause. This is the reason why they praise God instead of complaining and blaming Him.
No matter what we’ve been going through, these things should not stop us from praising God. The more we experience brokenness, sufferings and difficulties, the more that we praise and rejoice in the Lord. It is through praising that we declare victory through the name of the Lord Jesus. God understands, God hears. May He never hear prayers of complaints, accuses, and lay the blame on Him. May our hands not be heavy to lift Him up.
The power of praises
Nothing can stop Paul and Silas from praying and singing hymns to God in prison. They find freedom in prison. The hearts of those who heard them were surely freed as well. (verse 26) ‘’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.’’
Verse 26 shows us that in praising, you are declaring freedom and victory over the trap of the enemy. YOU ARE FREE INDEED. Not only you, but people around you who hear you are also freed. You are speaking freedom on behalf of those who struggle to praise.
The children of God always rejoice. For they know that there’s someone greater inside them who fights in the midst of battles. They just have to be still and know that He is God (Psalms 46:10). Their roles are to raise the banner of the name of Jesus, cheer and lift up Jesus just like cheering for your loved ones in the battlefield. For they know that they are always victorious in His name.
Victory is Jesus. What do you grieve for? Be at peace. Rejoice. Praise.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
Let us reflect:
How do you respond to storms in your life?
Do you just praise Him only in good times?
Do you praise Him and rejoice over Him also in bad times?
What stops you from praising God?
Shall tribulations, difficulties and suffering stop you in praising Him?
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