Last entry I asked if you were desperate
enough for an encounter with God that you would get out of the boat; “Are you brave enough to get out of the Boat; step
out of the cloud of emotion or circumstances that surrounds that issue and trust
that He will catch you? Who knows, you may find yourself walking on water!” Here is my second thought;
2. ARE YOU DESPERATE ENOUGH TO SING INSTEAD OF COMPLAIN?
In Acts 16:20-29 we see Paul and Silas
accused of public disturbance, stripped, beaten and finally thrown into prison.
They were placed in an “inner cell”, worse than the others, chained and guarded
closely. What a horrible situation to be in, and for what crime? They were
sharing the Gospel! Now that is enough to discourage anyone. I mean, we all
know that we should be ready to pay the price but are we ever really prepared
to do so? So what did Paul and Silas do in response? 25About midnight
Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners
were listening to them. What?
They were certainly better men than me. Truthfully, I would probably be pouting
and complaining. I love the part that says, “and the other
prisoners were listening.” I have
no doubt that the others were likely thinking “These guys are weird! And they
sing bad too!” But when
those doors swung open THEIR lives were forever changed along with Paul and
Silas.
When we are desperate
enough for an encounter with God that we are willing to sing instead cry, curse
and complain, more than our lives are changed; family, friends, associates and whoever is close enough to see will be impacted forever.
If you want to truly enjoy your
life, you must be at peace with the life you have. But that doesn’t mean
to just accept whatever comes your way in life. You were born to win; you were
born for greatness; you were created to be a victor not a victim in life. So
accept where you are, believe God for MORE and take action! Never forget that
the “Natural precedes the Supernatural!” Take a step toward or for God and see
what He does.
Do you need prison doors to swing
open in your life? Start singing to God and don’t worry about what the “others”
are thinking are saying. They will be changed as well if you are willing to
actively trust God. Our enemies may love when we get
knocked down but our heavenly Father loves every time we get up!
