2 Kings 8:1-9:13
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26
Acts 16:27 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!”
Why didn't Paul and Silas run away and escape? They could have seen this miraculous event as God providing them release. But instead they stayed. I have to believe that it is because they were so in tune with the Holy Spirit that they were able to be guided by Him in word and action. I think about times that things have happened or situations that I have been in where I recognized God working but instead of seeking clarity on what I was to do or say, I just acted based on what I saw and what I believed God was trying to accomplish. And then I was surprised when things didn't turn out the way I thought they would. That does not mean that God did not use my words or actions to accomplish what He was doing but it sure did surprise me when what He did was not what I expected. Or what He did was not when I thought He was going to do it. I think it is easy to get our own ideas about why God is doing something and then try to find a way to join Him in that. When what we should be doing is just acknowledging that we see that God is working. Give Him the glory and then ask for clarity and direction. Lord please direct and guide me and stop me from trying to pursue what I think your plan is and join you in what your plan really is.
Acts 16:29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he 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, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
When they just waited to see what God was going to do after the earthquake instead of thinking about what God might be doing for them (i.e. set them free), they got to see what God was doing for the kingdom. Not only had all the other prisoners who been listening to them singing hymns to God not run as well but the jailer and his entire household came to believe in God and be baptized. I bet that at least some if not all of the other prisoners also came to believe if not that night at some point as well. Sometimes when God has done something amazing we need to just watch and wait to see what to do next and sometimes we need to act or speak. The way to know the difference is to daily walk with God and learn how He speaks to you and how the Spirit directs and guides you. Holy Spirit be my Councilor and Guide in all things. Let me know when to wait and when to act and when to speak and when to be silent so that I can experience with amazing blessing of being part of what you God are doing for the Kingdom of Heaven.
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