Praise in Pain

Paul and Silas sit locked in a Philippian jail cell. The cool touch of the prison wall does little to ease the pain of bruises marbled black and blue. However, singing God’s praises works wonders. Earlier, Paul cast a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl. Her slaveowners preyed on her suffering by trafficking her for profit. Enraged by their loss, the men accused Paul and Silas of stirring up trouble. City rulers have Paul and Silas stripped, beaten and jailed. In their pain, Paul and Silas sing praises to God. Around them, other prisoners listen with curiosity, jubilant noise in a place of despair. These shackled men still act free. It doesn’t make sense. Without warning, a violent earthquake shakes them from their bewilderment. Prison doors open, chains fall and they witness the power of God...