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In the cool of the night, deep in the dark, damp dungeon, many of the prisoners were trying to sleep as they ached from severe beatings. It was a favorite past-time of the guards to take turns punching the captives. Hunger pangs stung them within, as their plight seemed hopeless. In the distance, James the Beggar could hear what sounded like singing. He must be out of his mind in his misery because no one would be singing under these conditions. The darkness and hopelessness seemed to be closing in, when James recognized a song of praise. It was Paul and Silas. The two messengers had been calling out in the streets, telling about God’s love when they were imprisoned. The two were laughing joyfully. The believers knew that the Lord knows how to save those who serve Him when trouble comes. (2 Peter 2:9) Their voices rang out and a sweet joyful fragrance echoed within the damp walls. The messengers’ strength was renewed as the joy welled up inside their very beings.
The chains that bound Paul and Silas loosed as they lifted up their voices. Paul and Silas were free from bondage, although they never were held captive in their hearts. James too was free from the shackles. He sprung to his feet in amazement. Cheers and laughter filled the prison. The prisoners could not believe what was taking place.
It is true that it is often darkest before the dawn. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy always comes in the morning. The pit is nothing more than the place where the Master reaches to take the miry clay used to form us into what He has in mind for us to become. The light always beams down into the pit. You must only look up.
No matter what the future holds, I will praise the Lord.
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