Nine-year-old Willie might have saved his life simply by singing a praise song. The boy was kidnapped from his driveway by a stranger. But the kidnapper then dropped him off unharmed after driving around for hours. Willie says he continued to sing the song “Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker until the kidnapper grew tired of cursing and telling him to shut up.
Paul and Silas had a somewhat similar experience. Accused of trying to evangelize the Romans (Acts 16:21), they were severely beaten and thrown into prison. The jailer locked them in the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in stocks to prevent their escape (Acts 16:22-24).
At midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God. Suddenly, a massive earthquake caused all the prison doors to open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off. But amazingly, not one prisoner bolted! (Acts 16:25-28).
The jailer was terrified, for he knew that he would be executed if any of the prisoners escaped. Undoubtedly, he was impressed by their faith in God, their composure, and the unabated joy that Paul and Silas showed even when they had been unjustly treated and illegally punished (Acts 16:37-39). Most of all, the jailer was touched by their concern for him, for they hadn’t tried to escape when they had the opportunity. Wanting to know more about their faith, he asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).
Miraculously freed, Paul and Silas saw their freedom not as a means of escape, but as an opportunity to witness (Acts 16:31-32). “[The jailer] and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God” (Acts 16:34). They certainly could sing with young Willie, “Every praise, every praise is to our God. Sing hallelujah to our God.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 23:1-16
More:
Read Acts 5:26-42 to see why the apostles were “rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41).
Next:
Consider your life circumstances: Is there an opportunity for you to tell others about Jesus? Is there a reason why you can’t rejoice in Him?
Gary Shultz on March 5, 2015 at 4:54 am
Well, not many people would want to capture a person my age, but whatever our circumstance, God can put a song in our heart. It is a great reminder that any and all situations are seen by God and He can use us to display His joy and glory. Thanks
Marlena Graves on March 5, 2015 at 8:01 am
Thank you for this, K.T. I am really encouraged by it especially because I received a bit of discouraging news recently. I am encouraged to keep praising him in the darkness though my circumstance is nothing like little Willie’s.
nancib on March 5, 2015 at 9:22 am
That is why I like working in the Children’s Ministry. When they know the Lord, even a kidnapper can scare t hem..
Winn Collier on March 5, 2015 at 10:59 am
Willie. That kid’s something.