It's Amazing What Praising Can Do

Paul and Silas had been beaten with rods, thrown in prison, and had their feet fastened in stocks (Acts 16:22-34). The apostles were hurting from receiving "many blows." Their backs were bruised and bleeding. Because their feet were locked in stocks, they couldn't move to get more comfortable. In spite of this, you don't see them complaining to God or wondering why He would allow such a thing.

Instead of whining, they started praying and singing praises to God! (v.25) Do you think they felt like doing that? We usually praise God when we feel exhilarated, or if a prayer has been answered. It takes faith to praise God when horrible circumstances tell you to do just the opposite.

The Lord responded to their praise by sending an earthquake about midnight, and to quote Elvis Presley "made that jailhouse rock." But this wasn't an ordinary earthquake because "all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were unfastened" (v.26). The jailer cried out to Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (v.30) They left the prison and baptized the jailer, along with his family, who were also saved. This family might have never been saved if Paul and Silas hadn't been arrested under this man's watch. And that's why God allowed them to get thrown into prison.

When we praise God in spite of our adverse circumstances:

1. God will open doors for us (v.26). He will open doors of opportunity that were previously closed.

2. Our chains will fall off (v.26). He will unlock the spiritual chains of depression, fear, and worry.

3. People will get saved (v.30-34). God will intervene so that lost people's hearts will be opened.

It's amazing what praising will do!

Kent

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Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.