November 26, 2023
Topic: SINGING THROUGH TRIBULATION: THE ACTIVE FAITH
Text: Acts 16:25-34; Colossians 3:15-17
Memory Verse: Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!”- (Acts 16:25-26).
The roll call of faithful men and women was written by the writer of Hebrews in the eleventh chapter: their various actions of faith and most importantly, the testimony of God about them (vs 2 & 39a). His fondest appreciation of these people was such that it was recorded, “…. God is not ashamed to be called their God….” (Heb 11:16b).
Consider this day, Apostle Paul, commissioned by the Holy spirit to go to Philippi, a city in Macedonia, earlier in Acts 16: 6-10; only for his testimony about Jesus to nd him in prison, after being stripped and beaten with wooden rods and feet held in chains in the dungeon! Surely an inconvenient, excruciatingly painful situation for anyone to be comfortable in, talk less of singing! Yet, this servant of God was not only praying, but with his companions, were singing aloud – at midnight!
No wonder, Paul will write to the Colossian Brethren to allow the word of Christ dwell in their hearts richly and to be thankful, allowing wisdom to rule their lives such that they could admonish and edify others in daily devotions: singing the psalms, hymns, spiritual worship and praise songs and doing this gleefully with grace.
Dear reader; only active faith can sing in tribulation and trying times. Elder James admonished in James 5:13 that whether in cheerful and suffering times – pray and sing! This demonstration of active faith does two things: One; it moves God’s hand to break the shackles and send earthquakes and tremors against that rampaging, dreadful enemy(ies). Two; music has been said to be therapeutic, healing the very crevices of the soul.
Time of tribulation and trial is not a time to be despondent, to sulk and wallow in self-pity. It is a time of putting on the whole armor of God and resisting the enemy. It is time to activate your faith, so you can get a testimony from God, your Father.
Prayer: I refuse to fret, sulk and wallow in self-pity anymore. I refuse to battle the enemy on his own familiar turf. From now on, grant me grace dear Lord, to activate my faith in singing and worshipping You, during tribulation, because the enemy cannot understand this mysterious power of Yours. Clothe me in Your full armor so that I can sing and pray during and through these troubling times. I thank You for answering me in Christ’s most precious name.