God Works the Night Shift

CONSIDER THIS

Consider Paul and Silas. Paul has plans but everywhere he goes, the doors close —  God directs just as clearly with “No” as He does with “Go!” — because God has greater plans to reach the whole world. Now Paul is confident God sent them to exactly where He wants them. They share the good news about Jesus, a new church is starting and boom! opposition erupts. 

Paul and Silas have to deal with some greedy guys whose lucrative business is suddenly bankrupt when the demons were cast out of their slave girl. So Paul and Silas are dragged before the authorities, confronted by an angry mob and furious judges, receive a vicious public beating, and then thrown into the darkest inner prison, their feet locked into stocks. Talk about doom and gloom, how can it be worse?

It’s midnight. From the depths of their ominous prison cell, bruised and beaten and bound, embraced by the dark, Paul and Silas sing praises to God. How can this be? It’s because they know, step by step, God has led them here. This is part of His plan and purpose. So they trust God in the darkness and worship Him. As a result, lives are dramatically changed, the first European church is flourishing and God is glorified.

For some of you, it’s midnight. All the pain and heartache and disappointment is overwhelming. You wish the night was over. In this moment, turn from your problems and focus on Jesus. He knows you, He knows where you’re at, He knows you by name. He experienced darkness in a garden as He prayed, and darkness on a cross when He died — for you. You are not alone. He’s right there in the middle of your circumstances. God knows. And He works the night shift.

Time to lift our voices and sing praises.