SCRIPTURE:
“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 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 16:22-26
OBSERVATION:
Even though Paul and Silas were doing God’s will, the response of the people based on their own desires, beliefs and interpretations caused Paul and Silas to suffer beatings and be thrown into, prison. Their response wasn’t to feel dejection and fear, but instead to pray, sing, and worship the Lord, exampling to others of how the Lord moving in and leading them. We then know that they were freed by the Lord when an earthquake ensued and the prison doors flew open, as well as their chains becoming loose.
APPLICATION:
First of all, are we sometimes misperceived or misunderstood by others like Paul and Silas was? Especially in current times? It is what it is, because we live in this world. But we don’t have to succumb and be of this world. But instead, be sanctified and set apart.
Fact be that we have or will be misperceived, misunderstood, or find ourselves in conflict with or offending others by our actions even though well-intended; often due to their beliefs, desires, interpretation, misperception, and misunderstanding of us, our intent, and our actions? How about those times where we find ourselves feeling bound and even a sense of being imprisoned by situations in life and with others. I know that my tendency is to worry or try to push and fix the matter or situation in my own strength. I recall that some of Lanu’s and my biggest arguments in our younger feisty years was that I wanted resolution immediately and if not, I went “Waimanalo.” I am so glad and blessed that in our kupuna years and drawing close to Jesus each day that our resolve and go to is to seek God in prayer, worship Him, and wait upon Him. It’s in those times of prayer and either worship music or worshipping Jesus through His word that I have been unshackled and unbound with God’s peace. It is also the way I can also surrender people who misunderstand or misperceive me and my intentions to the Lord and thus respond cordially.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me and encouraging me that my freedom and peace come from and through you, your Word, prayer, surrender, and worship.
