And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. — Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas were falsely put in jail, where they were beaten “many times” and put in stocks. Even though things were so bad, they were still able to sing hymns to God and pray to their Father in Heaven. When they were put under this kind of stress, their faith got the attention of the other prisoners, who started to listen to them. We need to be reminded that some of the most effective times of evangelism in the history of Christianity were when Christians stayed faithful and happy even though they were being persecuted and harassed. Nothing should stop us from praying and giving thanks. God will use them to get to the hearts of people in the hardest places.

 

Thought

Paul and Silas were falsely put in jail, where they were beaten “many times” and put in stocks. Even though things were so bad, they were still able to sing hymns to God and pray to their Father in Heaven. When they were put under this kind of stress, their faith got the attention of the other prisoners, who started to listen to them. We need to be reminded that some of the most effective times of evangelism in the history of Christianity were when Christians stayed faithful and happy even though they were being persecuted and harassed. Nothing should stop us from praying and giving thanks. God will use them to get to the hearts of people in the hardest places.

 

Prayer

Holy Father, when people treat me badly because of my faith, I ask you to make me a loving, respected, and strong witness for Jesus. I don’t want to brag, but I want others to know your grace better so they can come to Jesus and be saved. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.