Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
We don’t imagine being in prison is a joy filled experience and we definitely don’t expect to be singing hymns to God while we experience it. But that is exactly what Paul and Silas were doing. And not only were they singing and praying but they were doing it in the middle of the night. Rather than sleeping or sitting in dejection over their circumstances, they chose to focus on God, singing songs celebrating His glory and praying. And everyone was listening.
Can you imagine what it might have been like for those other prisoners? Here were two men openly, joyfully, and enthusiastically praising God despite their circumstances. What a testimony to God’s grace and power. What would you have thought had you been in that prison and heard them? You’d probably find yourself wondering about the joy and hope these men had. What an amazing evangelistic opportunity!
The story goes on to say that an earthquake shook the jail and made a way for escape. The jailor, worried that prisoners had escaped, was about to kill himself but Paul and Silas prevented this by assuring him they were all there. This then opened the door for salvation and they shared the Gospel with him and he was saved.
This goes to show there is power in our praise. No matter the circumstances we face, trust in Him to be your hope and deliverance. Sing His praise. Seek His face. Turn to Him. There is transformational power in these moments. God can and does use hard circumstances to bring about conversion and to change hearts. We just need to do our part and obey.
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