How We Respond To Our Struggles Will Become An Important Message To The People Around Us
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16: 29-30, NIV
While Paul and Silas were in prison, they didn’t respond violently to the people who persecuted them. Instead, they chose to worship God even while suffering. The prisoners even heard them worshipping in the darkness. Suddenly, there was an earthquake, and the prison doors were opened. Their chains came loose, and it could’ve been the perfect time for them to escape.
At that moment, the jailer woke up, and when he saw that the prison doors were opened, he attempted to kill himself thinking that everyone escaped. But then, to his surprise, Paul said not to kill himself because they were still inside the prison cell. Because of this unexpected response from Paul, and perhaps the things that the jailers witnessed while they were in prison, he fell trembling before them. That’s when he got intrigued about the things he needed to do to be saved.
This is a beautiful illustration of how a Christian life could influence an unbeliever to have faith in God. Maybe the jailer realized that Paul and Silas’ response to suffering was something unique. They chose to rejoice and thank God even when they were in an uncomfortable situation. Aside from this, they also think of the jailer’s life despite the opportunity to escape. Their lives were filled with hope, faith, and God’s love. That’s why, the jailer also long to experience the same thing.
The way we respond to the struggles, problems, and unexpected situations in life will eventually become an important message to the people around us. If we will keep our faith and show through our actions that we are satisfied in the presence of God despite the suffering that we are in, it will eventually send a beautiful message of hope to others. And just like the jailer, people will hopefully see God by the way we live this life.
Prayer: Father God, thank you so much for reminding me about how important it is to live my life according to your will. Thank you for giving me the grace to share my faith through my deeds. I pray for a humble heart to obey you, especially in times of struggle and suffering. Please remind me, Lord, that your presence is more than enough. So that one day, the people around me will witness your goodness and grace in my life. And they, too, will know your unfailing love. This, I ask and pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
