Experiencing God's Presence #197

The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

Acts 16:27-28

Paul and Silas had been beaten and held overnight in prison, but God shook the earth, the doors opened, and the prisoners’ chains fell off. This was their moment of escape—a “get out of jail free” card, divinely delivered. But even though God was manifestly present and working in the situation, obviously arranging the release of His servants, Paul stayed. Why? Because he saw the bigger picture of God’s work. God was not only present to save Paul, He was present to save a Philippian jailer and perhaps many more people. Paul considered himself free to go with the flow, not to run.

That’s what happens when the Presence becomes our highest priority. All other priorities play a smaller part in our lives. Crisis situations become opportunities for God to manifest Himself in the crisis. We see them as catalyst events for encounters with those who need to see Him. It’s true that the Presence benefits us in amazing ways, but there’s almost always a bigger picture at play. Whatever God is doing in us, He is also setting the stage to do something through us. When we really believe that, we are free to go with the flow of His Spirit.

Is there a crisis blowing up around you today? Are you being pressed in a hard place? You may be tempted to flee, especially if God provides a legitimate way of escape. But before you do, look around and see what He is doing in the situation. Has He strategically positioned you for a big-picture purpose? Is He present within you for the sake of those around you? Ask Him, and keep your eyes open. And be free to go with the flow.

Lord, what are You doing in this situation? What do You want to do through me? I’m open to whatever You want to accomplish.

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