26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” Acts 16:26-28 (NLT)
The first mission trip of Paul and Silas was a life-changing event for more than just the two. This night, as any other night, the jailer watches the prisoners. But unlike any other night before, the earth shakes, doors fly open, chains fall off! This is a miracle for sure! However, for the jailer, this just became the worst night of his life. When prisoners escape, the jailer is executed. This jailer was about to take his life, but Paul saw what was about to happen and shouted “Stop!”
This was God’s setup for a comeback for Paul and Silas. These events were something only God could do. The jailer and prisoners listened to Paul and Silas sing, perhaps the lyrics impacted their lives. Certainly, witnessing the miracle that followed, the others didn’t dare to flee! As a result of all the chaos, not a single prisoner left, and the jailer lived. It is likely on seeing the pain and suffering experienced by Paul and Silas and their trust in God despite the suffering, the jailer and prisoners wanted what Paul and Silas had.
TRUE FAITH LIVED OUT CAN CHANGE ANY HEART UNEXPECTEDLY.
Additional scripture truths to help you know God is near:
He will direct our paths. Proverbs 3.
Jesus will be with us always. Matthew 28.
Do not fear, for I am with you.
I will strengthen you and uphold you with my right hand. Isaiah 41.
Let’s Pray:
Dear God,
You are worthy of this unshakeable love and trust. You orchestrate circumstances beyond our control and often times we are left with only “Why God, Why?”. Help us in these difficult, lonely, dark times to trust Thy will be done. Build our faith through Your Word and through times when we look back and see You were always there…and You always will be. Like a Daddy loves his kids, God, You love us too. Help us to walk closely with You through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.