Acts 16 How Do You Respond to Difficult Situations

Acts 16 How Do You Respond to Difficult Situations?   What do you do when you are facing a difficult or disastrous situation? Acts 16 shows us just how important your response can be. It's important, because how you respond can change everything! This chapter shows us an amazing miracle! It's one of my favorites!   Acts 16:16 One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune‑telling.   17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!"   18 She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" And the spirit left her at that very moment.   19 When the girl's owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.   20 They brought them to the magistrates and said,  "These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil   21 by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice."   22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.   23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.   24 On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.   I know we are only given a few details in this situation, but for just a minute I want you to put yourself in that prison along with Paul and Silas. We read the Bible too fast. To get the most from Scripture, we need to read it with Precious Holy Spirit. If we do, He will point out beautiful truths for you to enjoy and walk out in your life.   If, you were there, and you had been beaten like Paul and Silas, what would you have heard in that innermost prison at midnight?   What would you have smelled? There was no proper sanitation available there! Rat droppings? Sweaty prisoners around you?   What would you have tasted?  ·       The sweat off your face? ·       The salt from your tears? ·       Sourness from the stench in the room?   What would you have felt?   And now, the only question that really matters… ·       What would you have done?   We don't really know what we would do, do we?   But we do know is that… Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were PRAYING and SINGING hymns to God, and the other prisoners were LISTENING to them.    Do we forget the world is listening too?     Yet, The prisoners weren't the only ones that heard their prayers and their songs of praise; no, ALMIGHTY GOD heard them and--    Acts 16:26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone's chains came loose.     DID YOU SEE THAT? EVERYONE'S chains came loose!     Wow! Could it be that God is allowing you to go through some big stuff because He wants some folks to get set FREE?   Acts 16:27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself,  presuming that the prisoners had escaped.   I love this part!!! Look how Paul answers the jailer. No bitterness! No hatred. This is a picture of how we answer when we have the right attitude.   Acts 16:28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself! We are all here!"   That fact amazes me! What kept them from running off?   Acts 16:29 Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.   30 Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"   Look what happens when God shows up! Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household."   32 Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house.   33 At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized.   Father, help us to trust you! Thank you for the miracles, signs and healings we see in Scripture. You continue to reveal your glory and love through them even today. Help us to keep our eyes on you so we pray instead of worry. Help us to never lose sight that you are worthy of our praise even when we are walking through hard stuff. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.   Want To Be Stronger?   Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.