Despite the apparent morbid and depressing details aforementioned, for many, there was a more pleasant outcome. Prior to this “Superstorm” striking, warnings to evacuate were issued to the masses. As a result, many took heed to these warnings and seemingly prevented their own untimely demise. They realized that they couldn't change the path of the storm...and they realized that it was time to go!
Beloved, we must understand that often times in life, seemingly “bad” things will occur to us even when we are attempting to do what is right in the eyes of our God. Also, these unwelcome circumstances can often leave us disgruntled and dismayed and often frustrated do to lack of control. They can even lead one to ask God “Why? What have I done to deserve this? After all, I was just trying to do what was right!”
Do these questions sound familiar? Well I’m sure they were too familiar to Paul and Silas after their circumstances turned south as outlined in the book of Acts 16:16-34. Paul, a servant of God, a man freshly determined to walk within the will of God, found himself greatly irritated prior to a prayer session. As scripture accounts, he and his preaching collegue Silas were harassed by a girl who was possessed. She, being possessed by this spirit, had gained much wealth for her owners as she was able to "foretell" the future. However, this stream of wealth was quickly interrupted after Paul called the spirit out of her. Then, unjustly, the consequences for Paul’s actions were flogging and an undisclosed amount of prison time for both he and Silas.
Paul and Silas were walking within the will of God upon incarceration. And I’m sure to them the consequences received for their action was both undesirable and seemed unfair. I’ll dare to say that we’ve all probably been in some sort of situation where we have felt like we were being held captive for doing something that was right -- something that God called us to do -- I know I have!
Well, the story doesn’t end there. Acts goes on to state that while imprisoned and in chains, Paul and Silas decided to access the source of their strength! Instead of sulking from the circumstances that they faced, they realized that their praise was their weapon of warfare and that it was also a catalyst to release the power of God into their situation. Scripture states that at midnight, the darkest point, they began praying and singing hymns to God; and, as a result, verse 26 states: “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.”
Ladies and gentleman, there are some lessons to be learned.
First, not all “bad” things that happen to us are from Satan. God often intentionally places us in uncomfortable and undesirable situations. Situations purposed to either: bring us closer to Him, increase our faith, increase our praise and/or help to deliver someone else! These situations can also “protect” us from unseen impeding danger as sometimes it is only during our period of being “locked up” that we're reconciled to God. This can also be a time that allows our WILL to collide with His WILL.
Next, it is CRITICAL that we’re of good cheer while in the “holding” position. This can be difficult as being “held” can bring on feelings of uncertainty and worry. Using Paul and Silas as an example, we must also remember that during this time, PRAISE must be our best friend and closest acquaintance. Fervent praise can transform our attitudes and has the ability to shift our now and style our future. It also possesses the power to move us out of “planned imprisonment” by loosing our CHAINS! Moreover, we must realize that Satan understands the POWER of PRAISE. And, as such, he desires to render us mum and subsequently powerless by playing on our mind/emotions while in the season of "holding!" So please, understand the difference between what you feel and what you know to be true!
Moving forward, it also needs to be apparent that God does not intend for us to stay in the “holding cell” forever! This Godly lockdown is typically intended only to last for a season…a season that may only have a duration of a few days! We MUST be sensitive to God’s voice and God’s timing..and most importantly we MUST understand when IT'S TIME TO GO!
Today, some of you may be plagued by circumstances that have you questioning God’s rationale..maybe you feel like you've experienced a “superstorm.” At any rate, I came to encourage and remind that “……all things God works for the good of those who love him…(Romans 8:8).” However disheartening your current circumstances may be, there’s good news -- they have an expiration date, a date that is determined and dictated by your praise! Start praising now because IT'S TIME TO GO!!!
