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Sometimes, God Will Use Unexpected Circumstances To Fulfill His Purpose
God’s ways are sometimes unpredictable. We never really know the things that He will allow us to experience. As much as we wanted to escape from the problems and challenges that we are in, God would somehow lead us to uncomfortable places. This is not to condemn or harm us; He just wanted us to grow and fulfill His purpose. This truth may be hard to swallow because we tend to think that if God loves us, He will always lead us to comfortable places. But there are important lessons that we need to learn along the way. Most of the time, the best lessons are learned when we experience…
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When God Allows Us To Go Through Struggles
When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” Acts 16:35-36, NIV Paul and Silas were in prison and experienced a supernatural thing while they worshipped God there. The chains were broken, and the prison doors opened. They could’ve escaped during that moment, but they chose to stay and share the love of God with the jailer. The next day, the magistrates ordered them to be released. If God planned to release them a day after they were beaten, then…
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Remember This Every Time You Feel Like Nothing Has Changed Despite All Your Efforts And Sacrifices
Sometimes, we treat change as a fruit of our efforts and sacrifices. But the truth is that growth is not always visible. That’s why you need to hold on, especially when you can’t see any changes yet. Know what season you are in. If, by chance, you are still in the season of sowing, then expect that the seeds you planted will bear fruit if it will go through the process. Accept the truth that important things in life take time. A seed won’t immediately bear fruit after a few days of planting it. It needs to build its roots below the ground and establish its foundation. So, if you…
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God Also Wanted To Save Our Entire Household
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 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. Acts 16: 31:34, NIV Paul and Silas were in prison when they met a jailer who also wanted to be saved. After the man…
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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…
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Worship In The Midst Of Suffering
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 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. Acts 16: 25:26, NIV Paul and Silas were suffering in prison when they experienced a supernatural move from God. In the midst of discomfort and darkness, they chose to pray and worship God. They didn’t focus on the negative things that they went through. Instead, they set their eyes on Him and chose to praise Him. What they did became a source…
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God’s Ways Are Different
I may have my own plans, but God’s will must prevail. His ways may sometimes be unpredictable, but his plans are better than my plans, and He sees things differently. These are the truths that I need to slowly accept, especially when I encounter situations that are out of my control. This may be hard to fathom, but what helped me the most was simply reminding myself about who God is. He moves in ways I can’t always see. His hands are there, but they’re not always visible. That’s why I need to constantly remind myself that God is doing miracles behind the scenes despite the troubles and challenges I…
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He Chose To Pray And Kept His Faith Despite What He Experienced
To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Psalms 28:1-2, NIV Every time David was in despair, he would call upon the name of the Lord and remind himself that He was his rock. He believed with all his heart that God would be his source of strength, stability, and foundation. Even though he went through difficulties in life, he knew that he could count on God. He chose to pray and kept his faith despite what he experienced. His life may not have been…
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It’s God Who Will Open The Hearts Of His People
One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:14, NIV As Paul preached about the good news in Macedonia, a woman named Lydia was listening to them. Acts 16:14 states that “the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” This is an important reminder for all of us. We may excellently deliver the gospel, and people may preach God’s word by using effective methods, but at the end of the day, it’s God who will open the hearts of His…
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The Hard Truths About Confrontation
It hurts. If you are the type of person who is not used to share your feelings, it feels so awkward and uncomfortable at first. It takes so much courage. It feels like you are trying to peel off all your excuses and deal with what is truly on the inside. It’s like facing a giant that you can’t see. Confronting someone is not easy. It takes a genuine and a vulnerable heart to do it. Part of you can’t help but ask if you said the right words, or perhaps you hurt someone you love because of the things you just expressed. Sometimes, you will find yourself just staring…
