Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/75

Contributor - Rev. Harvey Van Farowe

Title - A Christian Response to Adversity

Topic - Meditation

In Acts 16 verse 25 we read, "but about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God . .". As one hears these words he must remember that these men were not at a church service nor were they in a comfortable bedroom having their closing devotions and thanks of the day. They were in jail, in the most confining part of a Roman jail, they were hurting from a severe beating with rods, and their feet were crowded in stocks. Why should they, in that condition, be praying and singing hymns to God?

Yet, why not? First of all they were Christians and Christians believe that God cares about them wherever they find themselves. Christians believe that God sees them where they are, and that even in adversity and pain, He knows best. We believe "all things work together for good". We realize also, that we are to live our faith in all circumstances. And further, Christians believe, that God is Almighty and can help us in painful situations or deliver us out of them. So it is understandable that Paul and Silas were praying and singing in that jail.

What might they have been praying? Possibly for grace to forgive those who had beaten them and thrust them into that dungeon. They had done no wrong and it is not naturally easy to forgive when one has been wrongfully treated, is it? It takes supernatural grace. Possibly they prayed in response to the Master's teaching, "pray for them which despitefully use you". Maybe they asked for a spirit of contentment - even in the stocks. Very likely they also asked that, God willing, they might not have to stay in those stocks very long. They believed God could deliver in some way. God later did - by an earthquake that shook "the very foundations of that prison and loosed everyone's chains".

Paul and Silas not only prayed; they also sang hymns. Many Christians, in trial and sorrow, are strengthened by singing the great hymns. It is a blessed medicine and highly recommended. However, these men weren't just -singing for their own consolation. The text states they were singing hymns TO GOD. They were singing for, His glory and voicing joy, perhaps as other apostles were said to "rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for Christ's name". Calvin said that if one is praying rightly he can also be thankful. If you are praying in a right spirit you are also cheerful and at peace. Calvin also quoted Philippians 4, verse 6, "let your prayers be made known to God with thanksgiving".

As you sometimes find yourselves in rough or uncomfortable circumstances, it will be good for you to pray. James wrote, "is any afflicted? Let him pray". Jesus Himself, facing the crucifixion, prayed t 4 earnestly" ' Pray, friend, even if your faith seems too small. Pray, believing that God sees you and cares about you. Look to the Father for the grace to be content.

If He does not immediately change your circumstances pray for patience and for the lessons He may wish you to learn. God wills that your life mightily serve "His praise and glory". It was said of a Christian Korean who lost 2 sons through martyrdom that when he heard this sad news "he uttered no reproach", he didn't murmur, "for through many years of discipleship and in much suffering he had learned to accept the will of God". Also, in adverse circumstances, it is in order to pray for alleviation and deliverance from them. So don't just grumble in trouble. Close your eyes, bow your heart, and pray.

Moreover, in trials, you can learn from these harassed men of God to sing. At least if you are God's child, you can learn this. Yes, even to sing praise to God.

The text states, that other prisoners heard these men sing. Your good response to suffering may come to be known by others, perhaps opening their hearts to God's gospel or lifting them to a more satisfying walk with God.

How do you react to tough circumstances? How will you react to them today and tomorrow in your work or wherever you find them?

Take Paul's and Silas's way.

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