The magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into ... the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
~ Acts 16:22-25 (NKJV)
"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
~ Job 1:21 (NKJV)
Our loudest testimony is not on Sunday morning when we praise the Lord, surrounded by smiling Christians. Our loudest testimony is how we behave under pressure, surrounded by people and circumstances which beat us up.
For Paul and Silas, the inner prison didn't have the first century equivalent of cable TV and three square (or now, pyramid) meals. Feet in "stocks" isn't a typo for "socks," provided for a dank dungeon. "Stripes" describes bleeding welts ripe for infection, not a style of prison garb.
The response of Paul and Silas? No whining, just praying and songs of praise. And the other prisoners were listening.
Is our testimony under far less trying circumstances "no whining"? Do we respond to pain with groans or praise? Do we bless the Lord as loudly when He has taken away as when He gave?
The world's other prisoners are watching and listening to us.
Blessed Lord, You are only good and work only good in the lives of those who love You. Please increase our faith to see Your goodness and sustenance in every circumstance. To those going through difficult times right now—financially, physically, or emotionally—please grant confidence in Your purposes and plans.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
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Lord, bless You for increasing my faith.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post and as time permits, I'll be back to read more of your heart spilled through into your blog!
ReplyDeleteBlessings :O)
Deanna