In Macedonia, Paul and Silas found themselves in severe trouble after Paul healed a woman who was "possessed with a spirit of divination." See Acts, chap. 16. She had made a lot of money for her owners by telling fortunes, and because this was no longer possible, the owners had Paul and Silas brought before the magistrates. They were beaten, thrown into the inner prison, and their feet were fastened in stocks, the Bible relates. Then at midnight they "prayed, and sang praises unto God." Suddenly there was an earthquake, which shook the foundations of the prison, opening the doors, and the chains of all of the prisoners were unfastened.
Paul and Silas believed in Christ more than in the trouble they faced.
This account can be invaluable to us when we consider its spiritual lessons. Most of us have felt threatened at one time or another by some sort of imprisoning trouble. Ongoing sickness or lack, or an unhappy situation in our home would have us feeling as though we're trapped in the innermost chamber of a prison, with no way out. Yet these two faithful followers of Christ Jesus did find freedom.
