Acts 16:27-30 "And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
NKJV
No matter how bad your circumstances are, there is hope in God.
All of us at some point in our lives are held captive by something. It could be that you are captive by a bad decision you made. Praise the Lord. Maybe you are held captive by habits or even by outside circumstances that you have little control over. Praise the Lord. Maybe it's your health. Praise the Lord. Is your hope in an escape? Then your hope is in the wrong place. Is your hope in healing? Then your hope is in the wrong place. Is your hope in the Lord? You got it, that's where it should be.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." NLT
That's a promise that God has made to you, and He has an established track record of always keeping His promises. So, what are you doing while you are in the midst of your trials? Are you staying in His Word? Are you praising Him? Look around...who's watching? It could be that there are others...like you, or even jailors who are watching. What an incredible witness you can be by giving thanks to God despite your circumstances.
1 Peter 3:15 "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." NLT
You see, whether you have been beaten up like Paul and Silas or beaten down like the jailer, the Lord knows what is going on and wants you to turn to Him. His promises have not and will not change. So don't give up, friend. Stay focused on Jesus. Remember His words:
John 16:33 "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." NKJV
Dear Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You that He rose from death victorious so that I may have victory in life over darkness through Him. Please give me the ability to glorify and praise You in good times and bad. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
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