Somebody is Listening!

This morning I am reading Acts 16 - an amazing record of the strength and courage of the early Christians. 

Paul and Silas are in Philippi, have made contact with Timothy, and soon Luke will be joining them.

Paul and Silas preach the gospel and meet great hostility from the citizens, who drag them to the magistrates. They are beaten severally, imprisoned, and placed in the painful stocks.

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25).

Lots happening in this chapter. This morning I am intrigued with the phrase, "and the other prisoners were listening."

Paul and Silas, bloody and in great pain, were singing and praising God!

The other prisoners noticed! Probably shocked! Reminds me that people notice how we deal with hardship. Does God shine through us in our difficult times? That's when others see He is truly Lord of our life, not just in the good times -- but all the time!

These prisoners also witnessed the salvation of the jailor who asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Maybe some of them, then, or later, also responded...some of them probably joined that growing group of believers in Philippi and eagerly read Paul's letter to the Philippians later when he wrote to them, encouraging them to always express joy in all circumstances!

They had seen Paul himself, weak from loss of blood, and in great pain, keep praising God, and they could relate everything that happened that night. They were witnesses to what it means to always be joyful -- no matter what!

Let's remember today that, no matter what we are going through, others are watching and listening!