The apostle Paul in the Bible suffered much persecution. So many people were after his life. He survived a stoning. He once escaped a city by going over the wall in a basket. He was imprisoned multiple times.
It's astounding that he of all people should write to the Philippians: "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again, I say rejoice" (Phil 4:4). And in Romans 12, he wrote that as Christians we must be "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer".
I can imagine Paul in a dark, dirty prison -- peaceful. I can imagine a guard looking at Paul in confusion, thinking "This man should be in anguish, and yet he betrays no feeling of inner turmoil. In fact, he appears to be at peace with his surroundings and his current situation! He must be crazy!"
Or perhaps the prison guard wondered about that peace Paul had, and desired to have it too. There is an account of Paul and Silas singing and praising God while they were in chains. Their worship filled the place to the extent that an earthquake shook the prison and chains were broken and doors opened. Not one person was hurt. Paul and Silas could have walked away right there and then, but they remained, and witnessed to a prison guard, leading him, and later on, his entire family, to Christ.
Paul understood that no matter what the situation, God was able to take it and use it for His glory. Paul had complete trust that the Lord was in control - God had a purpose for him to do. And if that purpose had been fulfilled, then it didn't matter where Paul was and what was going to happen to him. If he was to be killed, he knew that he was going to a place where the divine love and presence of the Lord reigned. There is no greater reward than that.
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
No matter the situation you are facing, take heart. Jesus conquered all sin and death on the cross of Calvary. He placed all of our sins, sickness, worries and cares on his own shoulder. And he rose in victory, showing that there is a resurrecting power that will take hold of our hearts and lives today. You may feel that things couldn't possible get better. They will. The price has been paid already. We are overcomers in Christ Jesus.
Wherever you are in your life right now, rejoice in this blessed hope that the gospel has brought to us. Be patient in your trials and tribulations and you'll see that God can take your situation and use it for His glory.
Continue in prayer. The Bible says that "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much." God hears you. Trust that He is in control.
That's where we find peace. In trusting.
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