What Must I Do?

“Why didn’t Paul and Silas run away from the jail when the earthquake opened the doors?” one of the boys in my first grade Kids’ Church class asked me. (I am sometimes astounded how kids can ask such great questions!) I have been thinking about his question in terms of how willing I am to give up my rights and freedom for a greater cause.

We all have our personal fears. My family once decided to do an Escape Room, so I went along with the idea, until I realized that not only was I going to be blindfolded but also locked in a cell! I have always been a bit claustrophobic, and so has one of my daughters, so we both asked not to be imprisoned with the others!

When I shared about this “jail” experience with my class, we all agreed that none of us would like to be locked up, so as we explored why Paul and Silas stayed, we noted the following truths:

1. The jailer would have killed himself if they would have run away. He had no hope.
2. Denying their desire to escape led to an opportunity to see a whole family saved

Paul & Silas were not afraid of being in jail. They sang worship songs during the night, even though they were probably cold and hungry. They didn’t let their personal needs or fears get in the way of God getting the glory! Because they persevered, God worked through them!

Their choices and the witness of their lives led the Philippian jailer to ask, “What must I do?” He realized that he had no hope for the future and needed an answer. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” was their reply. So he did!

Father God, you know all of my fears. Please help me to release these and choose to focus on how wonderful you are! Let me see others, even in positions of power over me, as needing your love and forgiveness. Don’t let me run away from being your messenger today. Amen.

Throughout this day: What are your fears when it comes to telling others about the Good News? Most of us are afraid to share our faith with others, not realizing how desperate their life situation is! While the people in our daily lives are usually not as afraid and suicidal as the jailer was, how motivated are we to see the people around us “filled with joy because of having believed in God”?