God's Glory Church

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang to God.” — Acts 16:25

During a short-term mission trip to Ethiopia, our team accompanied a local group of Christians who visited young people who had fallen on hard times and lived in shacks in a landfill. We were very happy to meet them: we shared testimonies, encouraged and prayed together. One of my favorite moments of the evening came when a member of the local team played guitar and we worshiped with our new friends under the shining moon. What a sacred moment! Despite their desperate situation, these people had the hope and joy that can only be found in Jesus.

In the 16th chapter of the book of the Acts of the Holy Apostles, we read about another case of impromptu praise. This time it happened in the prison of the city of Philippa. Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten and thrown into prison for serving Jesus. However, instead of despairing, they glorified God, “prayed and … sang” in their prison cell. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken! And now all the doors were ajar, and the shackles fell off everyone” (vv. 25-26).

The prison guard, waking up, wanted to end his life, but when he realized that the prisoners had not escaped, he trembled before God. Salvation came to his family (vv. 27-34).

God rejoices when we glorify Him. Therefore, let us worship Him both in ups and downs.

How has God helped you to praise and worship Him even in times of trouble? How did He reveal Himself in a miraculous way at such moments?

Dear God, please help me to glorify You in all circumstances.

By Nancy Gavilanes