God's Mysterious Ways

Read Numbers 26

Read Acts 16

How easy it is to be befuddled and confused about what God is doing! Such a strange turn of events for Paul and Silas. They must trust that God's will is being done even when they are jailed, mistreated, and beaten. I'm sure they expected God to act. I'm sure they didn't expect an earthquake, the conversion of the jailer, and the embarrassed apology of the magistrates. I'm sure they did give God great thanks, however.

Paul and Silas did not enjoy the pain of the beating or the unpleasant lodging, but that did not stop them from glorifying God. Singing hymns and proclaiming the Good News, they continued to live as disciples of Jesus ought to live. And though they may have wondered what God was up to, pondering the mysterious ways of God, they didn't wait to give him the glory. And what did it mean for the jailer? This strange turn of events meant salvation for him and for his entire family. They all came to believe and all were baptized.

Why in the world does God allow trials and adversity into my life? I may never know "why" this or "why" that, but like Paul and Silas I can continue to sing hymns and proclaim the Good News even in affliction. What strange turn of events might come into my life? And how will they conclude? God only knows. But I can hope and pray that along the way my living for Jesus will mean salvation for others. Maybe not for a jailer and his family, but maybe for a coworker, a friend, a family member. Who knows "where" the strange events in life may take me. Or, rather, who knows whom I will encounter in all the twists and turns of life (even if I stay in the same spot)? God knows. And God can use me.

It is so easy to become discouraged or frustrated. It is easy to worry or doubt. It is easy to become afraid. Let this story of Paul and Silas in prison remind us that God is at work. Maybe there is no supernatural earthquake to open the prison bars of life, but there are opportunities to glory God and proclaim the Good News of a crucified and risen Savior! Everyday we have the chance to impact others with that Gospel. So may we do just that.

And may we be encouraged that no matter what this life throws at us, God has his ways. They may be mysterious. But he has his ways.

Sing or Ponder today:

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
Faith sees a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head.

(LSB 765, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!