Paul and Silas ran into trouble because they preached the gospel in Philippi. The Philippi indigenes arrested and mercilessly beat them without a legal trial. They also bound them with chains and threw them into prison. However, the duo remained steadfast in their faith. They praised God in their terrible situation, and something remarkable happened immediately. The scripture reported,
“But at 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 chains were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).
The incident caused the prison chief guard to give his life to Jesus Christ.
Lesson:
Persecution cannot quench the fire of the gospel. Anti gospel people may try to persecute Christians but they cannot prevail! God’s children are not ordinary, they have been endued with grace and power from heaven to do exploit and also go the extra mile for the sake of God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit of God empowers believers and enables them to triumph over crises. Since believers are so much empowered, they should not fear a terror of any kind. Instead, they should be resolute with their confession of Jesus Christ and remain steadfast unto the end. No matter how tough life situations may appear, Jesus Christ has promised Christians victory. The Savior said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Prayer:
Dear God, please give me the grace to be steadfast in the faith. Let your Holy Spirit empower me to stay upright to overcome trials and temptations. Let me sing songs of victory, and let your testimony never depart from my life. At the end of my earthly journey, let me hear your heavenly voice “Welcome my good servant.” For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
