Choose Praise

Acts 16:25

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Paul and Silas were in prison-not just in prison, but in the inner prison with their feet in stocks (and this was after being beaten). They could have spent their time depressed about where they were. They could have spent their time worried about what would happen to them in the morning. They could have worried about if they were going to die.

But they didn't.

They "sang praises unto God." They chose to think on the good. They chose to remember who was in control.

And do you know what? Those around them were paying attention! Whether we like it or not, others are watching us. Our life is our testimony. Others are paying attention to how we deal with stress and the unknown. They may not say anything, but our actions and our words are affecting many of those around us.

What are people seeing? Are they seeing you filled with fear, or are they seeing your complete faith in God? Are they seeing anxiety and unrest, or are they seeing peace?

Paul and Silas showed others about God and they came to know Him. None of the prisoners left when the doors opened. That would have only happened if their hearts were changed. Then, the guard and his family came to know God as well.

Our responses can have lasting affects on the kingdom of God and the eternal lives of others.