DELAYED DELIVERANCES
Quote for Today
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Acts 16:26
“Immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”
REFLECTION
TWO STAGES OF GOD’S CARE FOR US: FETTERED AND FREED
“In this age, God rescues his people from some harm. Not all harm. That’s comforting to know, because otherwise we might conclude from our harm that he has forgotten us or rejected us.
So be encouraged by the simple reminder that in Acts 16:19–24, Paul and Silas were not delivered, but in verses 25–26, they were.
First, no deliverance:
“They seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace.” (verse 19)
“The magistrates tore the garments off them.” (verse 22)
They “inflicted many blows upon them.” (verse 23)
The jailer “fastened their feet in the stocks.” (verse 24)
But then, deliverance:
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God . . . and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. (verses 25–26)
God could have stepped in sooner. He didn’t. He has his reasons. He loves Paul and Silas.
Question for you: If you plot your life along this continuum of Paul’s initial suffering and later deliverance, where are you? Are you in the stripped-and-beaten stage, or the unshackled, door-flung-open stage?
Both are God’s stages of care for you. He has not left you or forsaken you (Hebrews 13:5).
If you are in the fettered stage, don’t despair. Sing. Freedom is on the way. It is only a matter of time. Even if it comes through death. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).”
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
DELAYED DELIVERANCES
TWO STAGES OF GOD’S CARE FOR US: FETTERED AND FREED
As Jesus’s Disciples, when God delays in addressing our desperate situations, we should respond with faith, trust, and perseverance. First, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations (Isaiah 55:8-9). Second, we should continue in prayer and worship, as Paul and Silas did, knowing that God is always with us, even in suffering (Acts 16:25). Third, we must trust that God is working all things for our good, even when we don’t immediately see the outcome (Romans 8:28). Fourth, we should remain steadfast, knowing that trials strengthen our faith and character (James 1:2-4). Lastly, we must hold on to hope, believing that God’s deliverance will come in His perfect way—whether in this life or the next.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, in the midst of trials and uncertainty, we come before You with hearts that long for Your presence. When we feel overwhelmed by burdens and delays, remind us that You are always near, working all things for our good. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may trust in Your perfect timing and unfailing love. Help us to worship You even in the waiting, to pray even in the pain, and to hope even when answers seem far away. Fill our hearts with peace that surpasses understanding, and give us the endurance to walk by faith, not by sight. We surrender our fears, our doubts, and our struggles into Your hands, believing that You are our refuge and strength. May our trust in You grow deeper, and may our lives reflect Your glory, even in the hardest seasons. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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