This morning I am going to focus on Acts 16:27-28
I have read this passage many times. This morning God is really speaking to me in a new way.
27-28 Startled from sleep, the jailer saw all the doors swinging loose on their hinges. Assuming that all the prisoners had escaped, he pulled out his sword and was about to do himself in, figuring he was as good as dead anyway, when Paul stopped him: “Don’t do that! We’re all still here! Nobody’s run away!”
Paul saved the very person that was keeping him in chains. Once the earthquake broke the chains and the walls crumbled, they could have been out with nothing to stop them. Instead, Paul and Silas saved this man from taking his own life. As the jailer, I am certain that he did not treat them well at all. Even though they were mistreated, they offered grace and mercy.
I am sitting here reflecting on who or what it keeping me in prison. I would hope that I would offer the same grace and mercy that Paul and Silas did in that situation. Would I save the person who was keeping me in bondage?
I know that in my life there are many difficult people that I have to deal with, people who are not on the top of my list of favorites.
There is this one particular person that has spread lies about me and even done some things at work that are not ethical. For some reason this person continues to have a job despite these things.
I was angry at this person. I said not so nice things about her. I hated her.
Recently I have given it to God. This person who really tried to muddy up my reputation was not successful. I really do think this verse gives me a little comfort in knowing that I am protected by him because I am from him and because I am living in him.
"For in him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28
If I had not been in the word, in prayer and trying desperately to live according to God's word, there may have been some bad results. Instead, I gave it to him and he protected me each time something would happen.
This person is not a believer. Wouldn't it be such a beautiful picture if one day she did believe and I had a small part to play in that?
Think of someone who has or has had you in chains. How can you show them the love of Christ?
Today I will write this person a note and make peace since I will no longer be working with her as I start a new chapter in my career. I don't know how it will be received. Maybe she will just throw it away. Maybe she will pass it around and make fun of me. I am giving it to God so that he will use this situation for his glory.
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