Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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         Jesus Christ: The Way, Truth & Life

                         Acts 16:19-34

                       Namita Joshua

                   St. James MTC, NY

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. (Acts 16:25-26)


Paul and Silas were brought before the Roman officials, accused of teaching customs that were against the Roman Law. As the crowd joined to attack them, they were whipped, beaten and then thrown into jail. The jailer was instructed to lock them up tight so that they could not escape. He fastened their feet between heavy blocks of wood so that they could not move. But Paul and Silas continued to sing and pray to God in prison. Then the whole earth shook violently to set these men free.


Even when they were chained down and unable to walk freely, Paul and Silas did not cease to worship and pray to God. When the authorities did all they could to hold these men in, God’s power set them free. As they tightened their security, God proved once again that He is powerful over everything.


If we were in such a situation, we probably wouldn’t be singing and praying. Maybe we would say a quick prayer for help. Paul and Silas exhibit an unwavering faith in the midst of adversity. It is easy to feel like we are trapped in today’s world – locked in place and unable to move freely. But Jesus has promised us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).


What are the things in our life that are imprisoning us? Do we feel like we are being locked in without escape? Think of the ‘heavy blocks of wood’ tying our feet down. Do not let them keep us from praising the Creator. Remember that He has the power to set us free today

                           PRAYER

Lord, as we are imprisoned by the things of this world, help us to not lose our focus on You. Help us to remember that the world cannot hold us down when You are on our side. Give us a heart like Paul’s that we may continue to worship You even when the world turns against us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

                 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

When your burdens seem great, remember that your Creator is greater.

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