God Breaks In

This morning I was reading the following section from Acts.


(NIV)Acts 16:22-34
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. [23] After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. [24] When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.


[25] About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. [26] Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. [27] The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. [28] But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” [29] The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. [30] He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [31] They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved---you and your household.”


[32] Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. [33] At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. [34] The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God---he and his whole household.


As I read this, I am amazed at how God chose to work in and through Paul and Silas. Here they are attacked, beaten severely and locked in prison, wounded and bleeding. Yet, in the midst of that severe suffering, Paul and Silas are praying and worshiping God. Their attitude and focus in this situation is amazing, for its because of their following God's direction that they find themselves in jail. If I were in that situation, I would probably be yelling at God, telling Him how I didn't sign up for this type of treatment. 


Its important to note that God didn't put them into this situation, but rather they were being attacked because they had cast a demon out of a woman.  This was an attack from the enemy.


In spite of the situation, its in the place of prayer and worship that God intervenes and sets them completely free from their chains and prison doors. Rather than being concerned about their freedom, they are concerned more for the life of the jailer. In the midst of their suffering, they are concerned for the one who is keeping them captive. As a result of this, the jailer and his whole household are saved.


What an awesome example of how God can intervene in the darkest situation, set us free and then turn the situation into a time of salvation and redemption! No matter how deep and dark a place we find ourselves, God can reach in and completely turn the situation around. His call is to keep our eyes focused on Him, continue to be thankful, and believe Him for complete restoration and glorious salvations.