“And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 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 bands were loosed.”
Acts 16:25-26
Paul and Silas were beaten, chained, and locked in the inner prison, yet at midnight they chose prayer and praise. Their circumstances did not silence their worship. Instead of complaining, they lifted thankful lips unto God, and heaven responded.
Praise shifted the atmosphere. What chains could restrain, thanksgiving broke. As their voices rose, God moved suddenly. The prison shook, doors opened, and every chain fell off; not only for them, but for everyone connected to their praise.
This teaches us that gratitude is not a reaction to comfort; it is a weapon in adversity. When you praise God in the dark, you invite divine intervention. Thankful lips turn prisons into platforms and suffering into testimony.
Charge: Praise God not only after the breakthrough but before it.
Further Study: 2 Chronicles 20:21-22; Psalm 22:3, 34:1, 50:23; Isaiah 61:3; Jonah 2:9; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Hebrews 13:15.
