FRIDAY August 25, 2023
A Home of Refuge
And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
Acts16:38-40
Unknowingly, the magistrates had beaten two Roman citizens. Although Jews, both Paul and Silas had acquired Roman citizenship. When the magistrates found out what they had done, their attitude completely changed. Being ever so polite, they begged and pleaded with them, asking the apostles nicely to leave.
Paul and Silas left peaceably and went to the home of Lydia, where they felt very much at home. Compared to a dark prison and the sufferings of persecution, her home must have been such a safe haven. Notice, Paul never stopped ministry. He used his time at Lydia’s house to encourage the brethren. No matter what had happened to Paul and Silas, they put it all behind them. Moving forward, they were compelled to continue to preach the Word of God.
What encouragement can we take away from Paul and Silas’s sufferings and persecution? It reminds us that during times of trial, God is still working. We do not need to be afraid when people come against us. Endure hardship––stick it out with Jesus Christ. You do not know how God is going to use the circumstances to bring salvation to others.
The other observation is the home of Lydia. There is a need for homes to become havens for Christians to recuperate from persecution. There are ministries who help rescue persecuted families, especially those left behind in Afghanistan, or cruelly persecuted Christians in India and Pakistan. Christians can offer prayer support or help them financially as God lays it on their hearts.
The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
