Singing in Prison

I'm sure you know the story in Acts 16 how Paul and Silas were falsely accused, unjustly beaten, thrown in to prison, and put in the stocks. I've had bad days already, but nothing like this. What did they do? Did they sit there and act like martyrs bemoaning their situation. Did they blame God. Did they give up on preaching the Gospel? Not in the least. They spread the Gospel right there in prison at midnight. They began singing! What an amazing testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit! These men had every reason to be discouraged, but instead of moping, they were singing. And the story doesn't end there. God brought an earthquake that opened the jail doors, and instead of escaping, they used the opportunity to witness to the jailor and he and his household were baptized that night.

 
 

God will do wonderful things, but He often uses His people to accomplish them. How often has God wanted to use me, but I was complaining instead of singing? How often have I missed a chance to witness because I was worrying about my own troubles instead of reaching out to someone who needed Christ? Lord, help me be willing to reach out and go beyond my troubles and difficulties. Help me to see the bigger picture. Help me not to be discouraged by my petty problems. Help me to see the cause of the Kingdom. Help me to sing in the rain.