Seeing a Greater Purpose in Adversity

Acts 16:28
But Paul shouted," Don't harm yourself! We are all here! "

Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison. An earthquake erupted and the jail cell was opened. It's Paul and Silas' opportunity. " Deliverance! Praise God! " might be the appropriate retort. But this is not what Paul and Silas did.

Rather than leave, they sat quietly in their cell area. The guard, in fear of his life, knew that it would be automatic death if prisoners escaped. Paul and Silas did not leave because they saw a higher purpose for which they were in prison. They were not looking at their circumstance; they were much more concerned about the unsaved guard. The story goes on to explain how Paul and Silas went home with the guard and his family. Not only did the guard get saved, but his entire household as well.

What a lesson this is for us. How often we are so busy looking for deliverance from our circumstance that we miss God completely. God is looking to do miracles in our circumstances if we will only look for them.

What if that bill collector who has been hounding you is unsaved and he is there for you to speak to? What if a problem has arisen due to something God is doing beyond what you might see at this time? Our adverse situations can often be the door of spiritual opportunity for those who need it.

You can see some great miracles as a result of those adversities. When God said that "all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes" ( Rom. 8:28 ), He meant all things.

It is up to us to find the " work together for good " part by being faithful to the process. In the next adversity you face, tune your spiritual reception and ask God for discernment to see the real purpose for the adversity.

Prayer;
Dear Father in Heaven I pray we are attuned to Your wave length and hear Your calling and work for Your Glory. I pray we try not to be a great army unto ourselves “ me, myself and I “ because we will never accomplish it. Thank You Lord. Amen

TGIF