Paul, Silas, and the other prisoners could have escaped from prison when the violent earthquake occurred, but none of them escaped. The jailer was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. However, Paul stopped him and assured him that none of them had escaped. The jailer called for lights to check all the prisoners, and all the prisoners stayed. He rushed and fell before Paul and Silas, realizing the presence of God and the sincerity of Paul and the others that he believed that it was only the influence and work of God that all these happened. The jailer brought them to his house and asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then Paul and Silas spoke God's Word to him and his households, and they all believed and were baptized. The jailer washed the wounds of Paul and Silas from the beating they had in the marketplace and fed them. The jailer rejoiced because he and his household found forgiveness and freedom in Jesus. (Acts 16:25-34).
Because of the faith of Paul and Silas in the midst of their persecution, the other prisoners and the jailer experienced the presence of God. Before the earthquake occurred, they prayed and praised God, and the other prisoners and the jailer heard them. And when the earthquake happened, Paul and Silas did not escape. God used Paul and Silas' situation to draw the other prisoners, the jailers, and the jailer's household to Himself. God uses the way we live to draw others to believe in Him. The jailer wanted to believe in God before he heard the Word of God because God's presence was evident in Paul and Silas. We need to understand that our faith in our Lord Jesus must manifest into our daily actions in life.
The people around us must see the ways of God in us so that when we share our faith with others, they can see that we are speaking the truth. Our faith and actions must always work together. James 2:24 says, "You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." We are not saved by our good works but by faith alone in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). However, our faith must show in our words and actions. If I say I believe in Jesus and live a godly lifestyle, my faith shows in my words or actions. Then when people see our faith corresponds to our words and actions, God can use our life to draw them to Himself to believe and be saved.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) Why is it important that my faith in the Lord Jesus correspond to how I live my life? Can others see my faith in the Lord through my actions and words? What happens when I live out my faith in the Lord in school, at work, at home, and with friends?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, would you please help me to live out my faith in the Lord Jesus? Please forgive me if I haven't lived out my faith. Please continue to change my heart and give me the courage and strength to live out your truth so that others may see you in me and believe in you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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