Day 19: Freedom Song
Today we will focus on Paul and Silas, who have been stripped, beaten and imprisoned for preaching and casting out a demon. Their feet were bound in stocks, and they were guarded by the jailer. Let’s read Acts 16 from verse 25. “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?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.”
Wow! What a story. I love that in God’s sovereignty that Paul and Silas were imprisoned together. Should we marvel over the fact that they could worship and pray in their worst pain, over the miracle of the earthquake, or that the jailer and his household were saved?
Their hindsight knew that they could trust God and their first call was to worship and pray. They knew that God is sovereign. The supernatural timing of the earthquake shook them out of their chains, and the door flew open. Their sacred concert had brought the house down. We read that Paul and Silas stayed. They did not choose their self-preservation and escape; they chose kingdom impact resulting in the salvation of the jailer and his family (at least) and, who knows, maybe even those who were listening?
Lord, thank you that You desire to use our circumstances to bring glory to your name. Let our walk with You inspire others to ask the question, “what must i do to be saved?” Thank you that your word says, believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. We pray this for our family today. For your glory, amen.
Reflect and Respond
Are you feeling defeated by your circumstances? Or do you know someone who is? Lift your voice and worship. If that is too hard today, play some worship and ask God to help you join in.
Meditate
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
*written by Paul a year or two after the midnight concert, this was his testimony!
Prayer Focus
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Pray for Kelowna and Lake Country.
"Fruitful in Unity" is our city’s motto; pray that our city would know this as spiritual truth.
Pray for our mayors and the city councils for wisdom over decisions and the future of our cities.
Pray that the Lord would place Spirit-filled Christians in all decision-making areas in our cities.
Pray for ongoing provision and necessary resources for non-profit organizations.
Pray for our teachers in Kelowna and Lake Country that they would know God's strength during these days, for protection in their classrooms and creative wisdom as they teach.
Pray for any city needs that you are aware of!
Pray for your three prayer points.
