Do you ever get a little down when things aren’t going well? I do. I work on not letting things get to me, but it is definitely a trait I continually work to achieve. This morning I was reading in Acts 16. Paul and Silas are in jail, about midnight they are praying and singing, an earthquake comes, shakes the prison, the doors open, the jailer pulls his sword to kill himself thinking his prisoners have escaped “but Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (Acts 16:28 NIV)
Here we have two great witnesses of faith, Paul and Silas, in JAIL and they are PRAISING GOD & PRAYING. I have read and heard this story all my life, yet today, it really struck me. I have never been in jail, but I wonder what my reaction would be if I were in the same situation as Paul & Silas. Would I be a witness to my faith? Would I be singing and praising? I don’t know, but I doubt it.
The God I serve is bigger than any jail and bigger than any trial I may face in my life. Yet, as a human being I will worry, fret and take on my troubles and trials, rather than completely letting go of them. I think Paul & Silas must have been completely confident that they were going to be taken care of by the Lord. In my head I know that, in my heart I strive to accept that and in my life I hope to practice such a confidence…but, I do struggle.
Lord, once again, I come to you asking that you will give me the courage to let go of all my troubles. To turn them over to you. To totally and completely let go of them. Your arms are open and accepting of everything I am and I know you invite me to come to you just as I am…please give me the courage to do so. Thank you for the gift of your word and the gift of your son. Help me to live my life as a witness of your love for me and for the world. Be with those that I hold dear, bless them and keep them safe. Be with the readers of this blog and their families, please bless them Lord. And thank you, Lord, for once again reminding me that no matter what…you are there to take care of me, take care of my troubles and guide me in your ways. I just need to get out of the way. I need to follow and let you lead. Please give me the courage to do that.
Peace and blessings…..
Chatter