Why Did We End Up Here?

 Why Did We End Up Here?

 

Did you read the story about Paul and Silas sitting in the jail with others when they began to sing about God? Not sure the old woman could sing when she might get in such a place. Even knowing all the blessings that come to me daily, singing about God’s grace and mercy is not my “go-to” response to adversity. Sorry about that. It is probably a sad reminder that at least one old woman is not as grateful as she should be. Oh, it is easy to sing and pray with happiness when all is bright and shiny and the weather is as kind as anyone could desire. But give us more of these triple digit days when we feel appalled by the wind that takes the breath away, and here we are moaning and groaning as if never again could we be happy.

 

Now God had a reason for Paul and Silas to be in that jail—yes, that particular jail. He reached down and touched the jailer with His hand on the shoulder of Paul. And the jailer was brought to the Way that very day—he and his family! Now, if the old woman were to sing, it might simply scare off a few wild birds, but if my attitude were to surprise someone despite the hardships of a Texas summer, what do you suppose God might be doing with my response? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God were using me to make someone else feel hopeful about life, about God’s mercy? Of all the losses in one’s life, can we praise God despite the sorrow, the hard memories? Let me remember instead, the story of Paul and Silas and their songs to God in that jail. Let God touch others through me and my attitude.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.