Read Acts 16:25-28 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What happened to the prison doors and chains during the earthquake?
2. How did the jailer respond?
3. Who did Paul say was with him?
Reflect
In the midst of Paul and Silas’s praise, the doors flew open and chains fell off. The jailer knew he would be killed if he lost his prisoners, so he saw only one way out. But then he heard Paul shout from the dark. They were all there. Paul had not only stayed but somehow convinced everyone else to stay.
The impact of Paul’s presence was profound. He could have fled into the night and brought the others with him. But he knew God was asking him to stay and invite others to stay as well. Inviting others to stay, even when it’s hard, is a component of hospitality. It’s not just saying, “God is with me in this,” it’s saying, “God is with us. Stay so we can watch Him work.”
Have you sat beside anyone in hard circumstances lately? Who might need that presence or invitation from you today? If you’re tempted to run from something hard, is there a reason God might ask you to stay? Perhaps someone He wants you to sit beside in the midst of it?
Respond
Pray through today’s reading, reflecting on the questions just posed. What do you think God is prompting you to do in response? Write it down, share it with a friend, and take a step to start making it happen.