Acts 16:27-30
And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
There have been times in my life when I found myself confined in a position that seemed very much like I was in prison. Some situations found me cut off from my precious family while other times it was the shadow of death that hung very near.
The more I read God’s precious Word, the more I realize that this world is not our home and we have an enemy that tries to confine us. It is during times of our greatest trials that the Lord gives us the greatest witness. Please read that again. I fear that all too often we spend our efforts trying to escape the prison we are in to become a pulpit to preach the message of salvation.
Paul was a dedicated servant of the Lord. In spite of this he experienced the pain of prison. Rather than feeling sorry for himself, he rejoiced in the Lord and as a result he was able to lead other captives (as well as the keeper of the prison) to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Joseph had earlier used his years as a slave and prisoner to become the savior of his own brothers who had sold him.
What is the prison that you find yourself committed to at this time? Is it the pain of personal loss or agonizing pain? Are you allowing it to crush your spirit? Are you defeated as the iron doors slam behind you? I pray that you will ask the Lord to illuminate your prison with His presence and allow you to minister where you are.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil