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The Witness of Suffering
Acts 16:18, 23, 25-26
“Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her…After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison…About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken…everybody’s chains came loose.”
How we deal with suffering is often a powerful witness to our faith, hope and love of God. The world around us (in chains of bondage to sin) is listening. The freedom Paul and Silas had to command demons to flee, to worship and pray despite being beaten, to share the gospel at every opportunity, this freedom came from the power of the Holy Spirit within them. Sometimes God asks his servants to suffer and to refine our faith, hope and love. He redeems our suffering by using it as a witness to the world of the power of his faith, hope and love within us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s desire is to liberate prisoners from sin, everywhere.
Will we testify to his faith, hope and love in suffering so that others might find freedom?
Lord Jesus, you have set me free to serve and follow you, even through suffering, that others might know your faith, hope and love.
Acts 16:18, 23, 25-26
“Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her…After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison…About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken…everybody’s chains came loose.”
How we deal with suffering is often a powerful witness to our faith, hope and love of God. The world around us (in chains of bondage to sin) is listening. The freedom Paul and Silas had to command demons to flee, to worship and pray despite being beaten, to share the gospel at every opportunity, this freedom came from the power of the Holy Spirit within them. Sometimes God asks his servants to suffer and to refine our faith, hope and love. He redeems our suffering by using it as a witness to the world of the power of his faith, hope and love within us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s desire is to liberate prisoners from sin, everywhere.
Will we testify to his faith, hope and love in suffering so that others might find freedom?
Lord Jesus, you have set me free to serve and follow you, even through suffering, that others might know your faith, hope and love.
About this Plan
Join Randy Friesen as he follows the Bible reading plan of the Life Journal and shares his reflections with you. Each entry includes three parts: a highlighted passage from the reading, a brief reflection, and a prayer. We trust that you will be inspired by the messages that God is speaking through his Word.
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We would like to thank Randy Friesen, VIce President for Leadership Development with Global Disciples, for providing this plan. For more information about Global Disciples, please visit www.globaldisciples.org
