Dave’s Monday Blast – December 8, 2025

Last week we were examining a passage from Acts 16, a familiar account from the life of the Apostle Paul and Silas. Refresh your memory by reading verses 14 – 40 to reset the stage. God performs a miracle at the “Midnight Hour” releasing Paul and Silas from their prison, and the conversion of the Philippian Jailer and his household appears to be quite the bonus.

We provided 3 reasons why we experience difficult circumstances in our lives, but rediscover that our God is always to be found in these times; His “Midnight Hour” timing is what matures our faith.

1. Spiritual Harassment is to be expected in the life of a believer. (Acts 16:16 – 17)
2. Unjust Accusations are part of Satan’s plan to discourage. (Acts 16:19)
3. Physical Pain and Punishment will undoubtedly be a part of our journey. (Acts 16:22)

This passage though provides a template for how we are to respond when confronted with “Hard Things”.

1. First Response – Turn to the Lord in Prayer (16:25). Not the “Last Resort”, but the first thing we must do. (Philippians 4:8)

2. Second Response – Choose to exercise Praise (16:25).  “Bitter by trials or better by praise.” Job is a great example. (Job 42)

3. Third Response – Rest in God’s Liberty and Freedom (16:26).  INTENTIONAL men of God understand though that WHEN God removes the shackles, it is still plausible that we remain in that hard place for a season. The difference is that we are again reminded that He is there with us. His will…His way. Note what ultimately happens to Paul and Silas as the chapter concludes.

4. Fourth Response – Share God’s peace with others (16:27 – 31). When the jailer found himself in a “Hard Place” i.e. believed his prisoners had escaped so he intended to handle his “Midnight Hour” in a very permanent way…suicide! BUT God showed up through Paul and Silas and what Satan intended for Evil God intended for Good. The Jailer and his household were saved and baptized in the Kingdom of God (v. 31).

God is always with us in the hard places. Why He often waits until the “Midnight Hour” to “show up” does indeed challenge our faith in Him, but He is ALWAYS found to be faithful. Next week I want to take a peek with you at a familiar story found in Daniel chapter 3 to conclude this discussion. I encourage you to read ahead.