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Authors: Gerard and Bernie Robinson, from Charis in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In the book of Acts it says, “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. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:25-31)

In today’s scripture we encounter Paul on his second missionary journey to the Gentiles. In Philippi, he angered the owners of a slave girl by casting an evil spirit out of her. Knowing that they could no longer use the girl to make money through fortune telling, her owners complained to the authorities and had Paul and his companion, Silas, arrested. They were stripped, severely flogged, and locked in foot stocks. Despite their dismal situation, Paul and Silas sang hymns and praised God, and a miracle happened: the prison doors flew open! Whether we see them or not, powerful things happen when we praise God.

Their witness to the Lord also led to the opportunity to share the good news with the jailor, and he and his family were baptised. This encourages us to always be ready and willing to witness to Christ in our daily circumstances through example and word. God can and will powerfully use us to bring others to Himself.

Furthermore, this incident exemplifies perfectly the advice Paul was later to write to the Thessalonians: “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) Paul, like Jesus his master, practiced what he preached. This is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, alive and active in our lives. Today, now, invite the Holy Spirit to come more fully into your life. Ask Him to give you more of His fruits and gifts, to help you to be a joy-filled and thankful Christian.

Scripture quotations from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.