Firm faith in Christ is one that believes that we are living safely in the hands of God, that these terrors are not so much something that God saves us from as it is that He asks us to accept and grow through them.  Paul and Silas's faith in their tribulation bears fruit in those who witness it: the jailer and his family "believe in the Lord Jesus" and are saved, him and all his household.

Tuesday in the Sixth Week of Easter

Acts 16:22-34 

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 7-8

J ohn 16:5-11 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, `Where are you going?' (6) But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. (7) Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (8) And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: (9) concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; (10) concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; (11)  concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Meditation by Chas Kestermeier, S.J.

T he story of Paul and Silas is a tale of marvels, but possibly the biggest marvel is that we don't feel how untypical the attitude and actions of the two men are.  The two of them are attacked by the crowd for their opinions and words, and yet they are the ones who are flogged and then jailed, treated as dangerous criminals with special precautions against their escape.

And as they are awaiting some sort of disposition of their case they respond by praying and singing hymns?  It almost sounds as if they were rejoicing in the treatment they are receiving...  After the earthquake which sets them free, why is it that they do not flee and that they even convince the other inmates to remain with them?  What are Paul and Silas thinking?  What is in their hearts that causes such results?

I think that it is just the results of a firm faith in Christ, in season and out of season, the kind of faith that believes that I am living safely in the hands of God, that these terrors are not so much something that God saves me from as it is that He asks me to accept and grow through them.  Paul and Silas's faith in their tribulation bears fruit in those who witness it: the jailer and his family "believe in the Lord Jesus" and are saved, him and all his household.

I believe that the kind of faith that I seek in the Lord is not so much that He can save me from dangers and tests but that He Himself offers them to me as opportunities for growth, chances for me to see how He is my life and my hope.  Can I sing hymns and give thanks in the midst of troubles, knowing that the Lord is near even then?

Supplementary Reading

What's Your Part?

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? - Romans 10:14-15

I t's amazing how God can take so many people in the world and set up a plan for us to work together for His purposes to build the body of Christ. We all have a part. One scripture puts it this way, some plant seeds, some water, and some bring in the harvest. No matter what role we have, when we work together, we are honoring God. It pleases Him when we partner with one another to share the good news of the Gospel.

Today, know that you have an important part in the body of Christ. Whether you minister in the pulpit or on the street corner, or whether you sow seed so that others can go, you are important. Don't ever underestimate the part you play because together we are building His kingdom.

Father God, I humbly come to You today. Thank You for giving me a part to play in building Your kingdom. I dedicate back to You the resources You have given me. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen  (Joel & Victoria Osteen)

  
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GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.