FAITH CAPSULE: Despite their grueling challenge, they resolved to praying and praising instead of worrying and being anxious.

Acts 16: 16-34

In these days of all kinds of destructive challenges, to be steadfast in obeying the word of God is the key to having a struggle free life for a true believer of the word of God. Lack of trust in God is the evidence of disobedience. The Word of God says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:6-7) It is easy to memorize and quote this verse but when a challenge shows up in an unexpected way, it is very difficult to remember not to be anxious.

Paul and Silas were faced with a life threatening challenge but there was no record of worry or anxiety in the course of their ordeal. After having been accused for teaching customs which were not lawful, they laid many stripes on them and threw them into the prison. Paul and Silas were kept in the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Despite their grueling challenge, they resolved to praying and praising instead of worrying and being anxious. The Bible recorded, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.  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.” (Acts 16:25-26)

As a believer, which area on your journey of life has become painful and exceedingly uncomfortable? How are you engaging your challenge? Is there any sign of worrying or anxiousness in your response? As a believer, if you will remain obedient to the living word of God He will be faithful to deliver you according to His promise“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)  Allow the word of God to operate in your life. The word will only operate in the hearts that are simple. The simple ones are the ones who have the understanding to allow the word to become light. The profitability of the word is when it operates as light. Hebrews 4:2, “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Evidently, Paul and Silas had peace as they engage praying and praise in the face of their challenge.

Prayer for today: Ask for the word of God to have a place in your life.