Hello
Recent travels offered multiple opportunities for me to demonstrate my faith publicly. In one instance, I was rewarded by the individual grabbing my hand and becoming docile like a baby , while resting on my shoulder. My hidden, though underlying discomfort gave me a moment’s pause – how so I truly represent God when it really matters?
Chew slowly alongside today’s Holy Nougat
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.”
Acts of the Apostles 16:25 NLT
Already on the books for public disturbance, Paul and Silas seemed to declare, “in for a penny; in for a pound!” For, rather than humbly accept their conviction, the ‘young’ evangelists were having a Praise Fest in jail!
Now that’s radical!
The Nougat established that they were NOT in solidarity confinement. (While that may not have been invented as yet; it wasn’t impossible considering that the persecution of Christians was their present reality.) Choosing to host a public Praise Fest could possibly have been the difference between life and death. And so they chose Life; eternal Life! In front of their unwitting congregation!
Yup; that’s extreme faith
Some today might even consider them crazy! They feared God more than they feared for their lives. By virtue thereof, they CHOSE to offer a sacrifice of Praise unto God! Check for yourself in any translation/version – there is no mention of complaints, only a report of Praise. The saga continues, but we are committed to assess the impact of that moment upon our faith.
Let us consider our own circumstances. Our backs are against the wall because of our faith; how do we (not how should we) respond?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
