Deuteronomy 22:1-23:8; Joel 3:1-21; Luke 12:22-40
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25
Paul and Silas were “locked down”; hands and feet in wooden stocks; backs bleeding, but they were rejoicing and singing praises to God. The result of their lockdown was that the Philippian jailor trusted Christ as his Saviour. Are you “locked down” by old age, illness, or by some other problem? God wants to use you right where you are, and turn your lonely suffering into blessing, to yourself and to others. —David Croudace
Mine are tears in times of sorrow, darkness not yet understood,
Through the valley I must travel, where I see no earthly good.
But mine is peace that flows from heaven, and the strength in times of need;
I know my pain will not be wasted, Christ completes His work in me. —J. Robinson & R. Thompson