Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
What a man reveals through his trials is the most clear indication of his heart and intimacy with Christ. Paul and Silas, after proclaiming the truth and healing a young woman of her possession from an evil spirit, were beaten and thrown into prison.
The Lord uses difficult circumstances and situations to reveal the deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions within our hearts. It is not in times of peace when the depth of our love of God is reflected but in the trials He brings us through, reflecting our hearts. For how we respond during trials is the greatest witness to the world.
Just as grapes, when trampled on, produce sweet wine, so the heart of the believer when trampled on produces prayers and the singing of hymns to our God. This is a glorious witness to the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must rejoice in our hope in Christ, be patient in the tribulation God has ordained, and be fervent in prayer. This is the most glorious and sweet reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit works in our hearts! For when dying on the cross, after being falsely accused, beaten, and whipped, Christ pleaded, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Let us then be mindful of our hearts and how we respond to those who persecute us. Let us be mindful of the Lord’s sovereignty and rejoice that we are not forgotten and that He uses all things for His glory. And let us bear witness of the truth of our God before the world by the power of the Holy Spirit, that others may see our good works and praise our Father, who is in heaven.
Romans 12:12, Luke 23:34, Matthew 5:16
Father, You have saved me. You have saved me and You know. Who am I? I confess the many times I have not reflected the truth of You in the trials You allow. I succumb so easily to my flesh and desire to justify my griping rather than trust in Your providential hand. Help me to know Your joy and place a new song in my heart, that I may sing Your praises and proclaim the excellencies of You who has called me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. In Christ’s name. Amen