We should take lessons from the early disciples from Acts chapter 16. I do not believe they had hand sanitizer, toilet paper or a weekly paycheck. They did not have the privilege to enjoy Sleep Number mattresses or even the convenience of a microwave. They did not have restaurants, cell phones, brick homes, or automobiles for travel.
Scripture teaches the followers of Jesus often suffered great trouble, were beaten, ship wrecked and cast aside - yet they rejoiced in their faith in God and continued to share their faith with others. The Bible teaches, "And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them securely: who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, fastens their feet in the stocks, and kept watch by night. But around midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. When suddenly the earth began to quake and the foundations of the prison were shaken, and suddenly the prison doors flew open and the chains fell off."
If you and I would learn the secret to prayer and praise, what could happen in our lives? If you would just for a moment get your focus from your comfort and place your focus on "Christ" - He would put a song back in your step. When we praise the Lord, there is no limit to what God will do in our present circumstances. What we truly need is a song at midnight! We need to break out in a crazy, radical praise in the middle of poor conditions and troubles or where we are right now.
Scripture teaches the followers of Jesus often suffered great trouble, were beaten, ship wrecked and cast aside - yet they rejoiced in their faith in God and continued to share their faith with others. The Bible teaches, "And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them securely: who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, fastens their feet in the stocks, and kept watch by night. But around midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. When suddenly the earth began to quake and the foundations of the prison were shaken, and suddenly the prison doors flew open and the chains fell off."
If you and I would learn the secret to prayer and praise, what could happen in our lives? If you would just for a moment get your focus from your comfort and place your focus on "Christ" - He would put a song back in your step. When we praise the Lord, there is no limit to what God will do in our present circumstances. What we truly need is a song at midnight! We need to break out in a crazy, radical praise in the middle of poor conditions and troubles or where we are right now.
Take a look at what God did for Paul and Silas. When they began to sing a song and offer praise, the prison doors flew open and the shackles fell from their hands and feet. He is an amazing, faithful Father. And He will do the same for you when you praise Him.
