12th Sep 26 | 04:00
Daily Study
Rejoicing in suffering
Acts 16 - Series 04/Episode 24 - Sun 09th Aug 2026 - Rejoicing in suffering - Acts 16:16-40 - EXPERIENCES AT PHILIPPI - James 01:02-04
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Act 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. They were in pain, they had been treated unfairly, and they were humiliated. Imagine a combination of these three things happening to us at the same time. Being treated unjustly and beaten severely, and that too in a humiliating manner in public. I suppose we would have been nursing our wounds, which would have been painful both physically and emotionally.
It was in this situation that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns. Is this possible with our strength and determination? No, this is not possible, but with the Lord, all things are possible.
The principle that the Lord gives us is that with Him, all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Ought not we to keep seeking and receiving our resources for daily life from God? This is what the Christian life is all about. It is a life of faith in God. II Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
When we look and dwell on our circumstances with our hearts and minds, it will surely be depressing. Whereas, we are called to turn our hearts and minds away from what we see and set our eyes on Jesus. II Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (18) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (12) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is interesting and exciting to note that this truth that Paul is sharing is written to the Philippians. It was in the inner prison in Philippi that Paul and Silas learned this precious truth.
It is in our suffering that the precious lessons of life are learned. Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. Knowing the statutes of God in theory is of no use. We must know the oracles of God in practise, and the only way the precious lessons of God's word will be etched into our lives is in the furnace of suffering. I Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
It is in suffering that the Lord is forming His character in us. Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. / James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (4) But let patience have its perfect work, *that you may be perfect and complete*, lacking nothing.
Paul and Silas were rejoicing in suffering. Did they rejoice because they knew and were exercising the teaching? I do not think so. It was the Holy Spirit who made a spiritual truth a reality in their experience. This ought to be our prayer. "Lord Jesus, please bring your truth more and more into my daily experience. I receive this in faith."
Let us be certain that the Lord will not allow us to be tested above what we can bear. He knows our frame. I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. / Psalms 103:13-14 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. (14) For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
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