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Posted by
Dion Todd July 12, 2015 -
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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 everyones bonds were loosened. Acts 16:22 WEB
A girl with a spirit of divination followed Paul and Silas around the city of Philippi for many days, telling people about them. But Paul became greatly annoyed and commanded the spirit to leave her. It did, and that is when the fight started.
After Paul and Silas were beaten by the mob, 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 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, and 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 their captivity was soon turned. In fact, they led some of the people to the Lord and the magistrates then came and apologized to them. It was a victory. They faced adversity with the right attitude and they overcame.
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 nothing but more trouble. But 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 to God.
Prayer: Father teach me Your truth and help me to see what You see. Help me find my place and put me where I will make the most impact for You. Here I am Lord, use me. In the name of Jesus I pray.