Meetings of prayer warriors
[Acts 16:16]
When we look at the encounters in our life journey, we can see that, from our perspective, there are both positive and negative encounters. Positive encounters are those that uplift and bring joy, providing us with benefits. On the other hand, negative encounters are challenging, causing distress without apparent benefits. How does God view all these encounters? Personally, I believe that the encounters in our life journey are not coincidences. They are all encounters permitted by God within His sovereignty. In each encounter, there is undoubtedly a divine purpose, even though we may not always understand God's intentions. With confidence, we believe that our encounters are within God's will. When we remain faithful in our encounters within the Lord, God unfolds His purpose, allowing us to witness His glory.
In the context of Acts 16:16, we see the apostle Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, having three encounters. The first encounter is with Lydia, a woman who worships God and engages in the trade of purple goods (v. 14). The second encounter, mentioned in the passage, is with a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination (v. 16). The third encounter is with a jailer (vv. 27ff). When evaluating these encounters, the first and third encounters with Lydia and the jailer are considered positive. The reason is that both Lydia and the jailer, through Paul's ministry, came to believe in Jesus Christ and received salvation. Furthermore, God used Paul to bring not only Lydia and the jailer but also their entire households to faith, leading them to receive baptism (vv. 15, 34). Therefore, these encounters are deemed positive as they resulted in great joy for all involved. In contrast, the encounter with the slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination is considered negative. The reason is that this girl greatly troubled Paul (v. 18). Moreover, when Paul cast out the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ, the owners of the girl were angered (v. 20). Eventually, Paul and Silas were beaten, severely mistreated, and thrown into prison (v. 23). From our perspective, this encounter is deemed negative as it brought suffering, persecution, and unjust imprisonment. If we were to experience such encounters where we endure hardship, mockery, and unjust imprisonment, could we consider them positive encounters? And if, like Paul, we were imprisoned unjustly after helping someone who had greatly troubled us, would we be inclined to pray and praise God as Paul did in prison (v. 25)? How could Paul and Silas pray and praise God in deep confinement? Such actions can only be carried out with absolute trust in God. Even though they could not discern God's specific will, their actions reflect the conviction that they were in God's will.
As I meditated on this passage, I found the providence of God to be intriguing. The reason is that when Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi (v. 12), they were seeking a place of prayer (vv. 13, 16), and their place of prayer turned out to be the deep prison. Isn't it interesting? The fact that God makes us pray not only in places like a worship hall but also in places as deep as a prison is intriguing, isn't it? Paul and Silas, through their prayers and praises in the deep prison, experienced a miracle when a sudden earthquake occurred, shaking the foundations, opening the doors, and loosening everyone's chains (v. 26). However, a greater miracle occurred through the encounter with the slave girl possessed by a spirit, despite it being seemingly negative. As a result of this encounter, the jailer, who guarded Paul and Silas, not only believed in Jesus for salvation but also his entire household received salvation (vv. 33-34). How marvelous is the providence and the work of God in this situation? Isn't this truly a miracle among miracles? A suicidal jailer not only survived but also received salvation for his soul, and through him, his entire household was saved. Isn't this a miracle among miracles? God accomplished such miracles through these encounters. God allowed Paul and Silas, who were seeking a place of prayer, to meet Lydia and be the means of salvation for her and her whole family. Furthermore, God permitted them to encounter the jailer in the deep prison, resulting in the salvation of the jailer and his entire household. How precious are these encounters within the Lord? In the midst of these precious encounters, God also allowed the encounter with the slave girl possessed by a spirit. From our perspective, it may seem like a negative encounter, causing great trouble for Paul. However, in the end, God used this encounter to lead Paul and Silas to find their place of prayer ("deep prison"). Moreover, God, through this place of prayer, made Paul and Silas pray and praise Him, revealing His glory. Isn't it amazing?
Encounters of those who pray are all good encounters. The reason is that they are encounters permitted and orchestrated by the good God. Even though from our human perspective, some encounters may seem unfavorable, the good God uses them to work together for good (Rom. 8:28). Therefore, from God's perspective, these encounters are also considered good. Through these encounters of praying individuals, God accomplishes the work of salvation. Thus, God reveals to us His nature as the Savior and writes it deeply in our hearts. Therefore, we praise the God of salvation, rejoice, and find joy in being His people. Let us pray and expect what kind of encounter the God of salvation will permit today for you and me. Victory!
Looking to the God of salvation who oversees all encounters,
James Kim
(Praying to meet with God, and meeting with God to have precious encounters permitted by Him, I pray to witness the glory of God.)