After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully – Acts 16:23.
They were beaten badly and then jailed, it looks really bad, doesn’t it? I mean as a child of God why would He allow me to be subjected to such derision, why must sinners even be afforded the due to lay their hands on me, a son? This is when we need to stop and see how much we make what we go through about ourselves. This is when we need to realize that as children of God we will have hardship, but according to John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So it isn’t about what we are passing through it is about the reason God has allowed us to pass through it. If we know that He cannot fail, that He is undefeatable then we should be sure that He is up to something. Something glorious that through us will bring Him praise and honor.
Case in point, Acts 16:25-30 goes on to say “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 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. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
So if we would keep calm and trust God, we would be instrumental in His plan to seek and save the lost. Many a time the circumstances will be uncomfortable, but if we are truly devoted to the glory of His Name we will be poured out and available for His use. God does not fail, all things have been worked out according to God’s masterful plan. None of where we find ourselves surprises God, He knew exactly where we would find ourselves at all times, but note “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. You just keep your eyes on Jesus, sing praises to Him and give thanks in the midst of your storm because His Name is faithful and He does not fail.
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