Paul and Silas’ backs are raw from the beating they received. Falsely accused, given no trial, and now locked in the darkest inner cell with their feet in stocks. Yet at midnight, instead of anger, “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening” (Acts 16:25). Only God’s gift of joy could turn such pain into praise. Then a miracle, an earthquake shakes the prison, chains fall off, and doors fly open. Surely this is their freedom. But when the jailer, assuming everyone has escaped, prepares to kill himself, Paul shouts, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” (Acts 16:28). Instead of escape, they share the gospel. The jailer washes their wounds, and that very night he and his whole household are baptized (Acts 16:33). Their suffering wasn’t for what they had done. Their release wasn’t for them. It was for a man and his family who didn’t deserve it, but whom God wanted to save. What an astounding perspective. Sometimes the suffering or the doors God opens in our lives, is not for us, but for what we can do for others. May we have eyes to see beyond our pain and recognise God’s greater purpose. Open Bible – https://bit.ly/Act16v33 (Craig B)
