Christian character is developed over time through many different kinds of circumstances that God sovereignly and lovingly incorporates into our lives. The ones that seem to produce the most character in us, however, are the difficulties…the challenges…the trials. It is during those times that we must remember that God is doing that work in us to show Himself to others through us.

Acts 16:23-32

23 When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; 24 and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; 26 and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” 29 And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.

“This is what it means to be a Christian. Love God. Sing in jail and love the jailer.” ~ John Piper

The Lord bless you and keep you…

Pastor Dave