This is the season of radical praise! Enemy routing and defeating praise! Earthquake producing praise! Chain-breaking praise! Prison-opening praise! Breakthrough praise! Blessing releasing praise! Yes, a sound of praise must rise from us, the redeemed on the earth, to bring the presence and glory of God in our situations and upon the earth!
This was the experience of Paul and Silas when they were imprisoned for delivering a woman from the spirit of divination. Their praises had a radical effect, which led to their vindication, the affirmation of their ministry, and brought so much glory to God. You’ll find their story in Acts 16:16-40.
Acts 16:19-24 NLT
“[19] Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. [20] “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. [21] “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.” [22] A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. [23] They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. [24] So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.”
Paul and Silas were wrongly accused and beaten for setting a woman free from demonic possession; they were then thrown into jail and bound with fetters. The enemy was so irate that Paul had set the woman free, in Jesus’ name; that he responded by taking away Paul and Silas’ freedom and imprisoning them in the dungeons.
How did Paul and Silas respond to this? How would you respond to such a situation? If you found yourself in trouble or in an impossible situation, for doing the right thing – serving the Lord, sharing the gospel or helping someone? The Bible tells us that in the end-times we shall face such serious persecutions for our faith, and we are already in the end-times…
Acts 16:25 NLT
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.”
Paul and Silas did not grumble and murmur; they began to pray and sing to God. I can imagine them singing from the Psalms; in particular, Psalm 27, which is one of my favourites…
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
What song would you sing, if you were in such an impossible situation? I believe we should start practising now, giving God radical praise, singing to Him in the midst of our challenges, uncertainties and fears.
As I write, I’m listening to Rhema Onuoha’s beautiful rendition of Psalm 27 and invite you to share it with me. Click on the link and join me in worshipping our faithful God who is our Light and Salvation, Strength and Shield. https://youtu.be/86G_2nCPvCA?si=jIbslzF1Y6hUCXLE
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)