Date: 02-09-2020

Title: Handling Adversity

(S) cripture:
    Acts 16:22-25 (NASB77) And the crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them, and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; 24 and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

(O) bservation:
    When Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi they were received well and then public opinion turned on them. They were beaten and thrown into prison. In prison they were heard praying and singing praise to the Lord. This greatly affected the other prisoners. When an earthquake opened the cell doors and broke their stocks Paul Silas and the other prisoners stayed put and did not escape, This led to the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family.

(A) pplication:
    Too often when I am challenged or put down for being a Christian I go to the Lord and groan and complain about my mistreatment. I want God to change my circumstances so I can feel better and those challenging me will see that I am right. Today rather than complain and groan I will seek to follow Paul and Silas’ example of praying and singing praise to the Lord. That alone will change my attitude and most likely change or at least confuse those who would challenge me. I hope that this response would lead to the opportunity for others to follow Jesus. If I get my response right, maybe others will follow Jesus.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, when I am tempted to groan and complain, remind me to pray and sing praise to you. If I am following you, your presence and provision is with me regardless of my circumstances. Let me take heart in that and always praise you. Amen