Extraordinary
“There was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook;”
I love the story of Paul and Silas in prison because it is evidence that our praise carries the power to change our reality. When we proclaim the greatness of God, especially when we have plenty of reasons to be ungrateful, our praise changes things.
Paul and Silas were beaten. With rods. I can imagine they were bloody and exhausted and aching with pain - and yet, they chose to sing of God’s goodness. They had plenty of reasons not to praise God - they were imprisoned, scorned, beaten, in chains - but they praised anyway.
Praise changes things.
God didn’t just send someone to unlock their shackles - He shook the entire jail. He moved in a totally unexpected way for them and created an opportunity for a simple prison guard to experience His love and His glory. He took a terrified jailer and turned him into an evangelist. He took an ordinary situation and made it extraordinary.
Sisters, this is the ripple effect that our praise can achieve. It’s a simple order - we praise, God moves, and lives change. When we praise, we align ourselves with the truth - that God can turn all things for the good, no matter how crummy our life seems at the moment. When we have the courage to step out and praise despite our challenges, we open the door for God to move - for Him to take our ordinary circumstances and make them extraordinary.
Father,
Thank You for allowing us to worship You. Thank You for choosing relationship over rigidity. Thank You for letting us take part in Your great mission - for letting us partner with You.
Teach us how to praise at all times - no matter what’s happening in life. Teach us to use all our sufferings, all our challenges, and all our circumstances to give You glory. Help us turn to You above all things.
God, we love You. Yours is all the glory. Amen.