One story in the bible that always reminds me to smile through hard times is the story of Paul in Acts 16:16-40. Long story short (read entire store here):
Paul was sentenced to jail for casting a spirit out of a woman (for doing something he felt he was told to do). Instead of being disheartened in jail, trying to figure out what he had done wrong and how he could change his situation, he began to pray with Silas, who was also thrown in jail with him. At midnight, when they were signing and praying to God, their chains became loose & all the prisoners doors became open. The jailguard, frightened, immediately tried to harm himself, scared for what might happen to him. Paul immediately said to him “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer then fell to his knees, asking what he needed to do in order to be saved. Paul & Silas replied to him & said “Believe in Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- you and your household”. The jailer then brought the two to his house, washed their wounds, fed them a meal, and him and his whole household came to know God.
Lesson to be learned:
If Paul hadn’t of gone to jail, the jailer & his household would of not become saved. If Paul had gone to jail with a frown, sitting in a corner, moping about his situation instead of thanking God for his future outcome, the jailer & his household would of not been saved. Smiling through hardships is something that I’ve learned over time to do. During hard times, I always try to figure out not why, but how. How is this lesson I am learning going to help me, or someone else in the future? What is God trying to teach me? What is there for me to learn? Seeing tough situations as not bad, but necessary happenings, can change how we view things.
“..call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” -Psalms 50:15
Moral of the story:
Paul was in a scary situation, and prayed his way through it. He went to jail for something that seemed good, and due to him being in that jail, he was able to save another life. Instead of complaining, Paul decided to have a party! A prayer party- at midnight with Silas.Sometimes,most times, when Go puts us through something it is for a greater cause. Maybe you losing that job you loved is to make yourself accessible for a better one, or those friends you’re no longer closer to were holding you back. What would happen in your life if instead of crying through tough situations, you prayed through them instead? Hard times always mean one thing- there’s a blessing on the other side. There can’t be sunshine without rain, and there can’t be night without day- tough times are times for growth. They are needed in order for you to become who you are meant to be, and are necessary in order to do all the great things God has called you to do. Don’t doubt in the dark what God told you in the light .
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Until next time!
-B
