Praise in the Midst of Pain.

 
Praise In Midst of Pain...

Acts16:23-24" after they had been severly flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the  jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receivibg such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks".

Paul and Silas were imprisoned because Paul delivered the slave girl that fortune tells to the gain of her masters. It was not something Paul did the moment He saw the girl but after many days of which the girl kept shouting behind them"These men are servants  of the Most High God who are telling you the way to be saved"(Acts16:16- 22).

There are times in life when the innocent is purnished along with the offender.
There are times when what the world counts to be an offence is what God has led you to do. Taking Paul and Silas for example they were going about doing the work of God but along the line they were flogged and imprisoned.

Imagine being taken to the town square and being flogged all because of good deed.
Back to individual personal life.
There must have been a time when you have been accused wrongly and people who did it were gloating because of the pain they cause you.

Somethings are the least of what we ever thought could happen to us or anyone around us but when it finally happens what do you do?
Do you run back into your comfort zone or your shell and dwell on pity, regret and what ifs?

Whatever you go through of have being through only builds your courage and gives you strength.

It is hard to believe but be rest assured those challenges prepares you to be more hopeful, prayerful and faithful.
Paul and Silas were locked in the inner cell because their offence was great offence to the Land.
Acts16:25-26" about midnight Paul and Silas were Praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundation of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chain came loose".

Now back to the topic Praise in the midst of Pain.
Whilst in pain some sing sorrowful songs and start blaming their enemies and God.
It takes faith to carry on and praise God.
How painful it must have been for Paul and Silas after being flogged. Then in the Middle of the Night they started praying and singing hymns. That is evidence of Faith.

Faith without works is dead, but when do you put your faith to work?
At all times or in times of trouble only?

Psalms 34:1"I will extol the Lord at all times his praise will always be on my lips".
Praising God will not just open locked gates but takes you to the realm of possibilities.

In that situation you find unbearable lift your voice to the Lord and praise Him.
Nursing that pain even when it heals the scars will remind you of the bad memories. Praising God in that pain the testimony that will come afterwards will be a channel for encouragement both for you and people around you.

In that pain let you praise be heard in Heaven.
Do this and wait and see how God will cause the earth to quake for your sake. Those who mock you will run to you for way of salvation.

If only you can praise God in that pain.
Ask God to encourage you with his word.