God allowed Paul and Silas to be cast into the prison so that He will be glorified there. He wanted the prisoners to hear the message that will set them free from the bondage of sin. Because Jesus was anointed to preach deliverance to the captives, His disciples should do the same. By their prayer and songs of praise, Paul and Silas announced the power of the Almighty God, and every one's bands were loosed.

Since you do not know when your time on earth will expire, "see then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil" - Ephesians 5:15,16. It is only a few people, like one of the thieves on the cross that may have an opportunity to make their ways right with God, just before death. Most people die either accidentally or in their sleep, taken away unexpectedly.

God is omnipotent - He is all-powerful. With God all things are possible and without Him we cannot do anything. There is nothing too hard for Him to do - He saves sinners, heals the sick, delivers the oppressed, raises the dead and sets the captives free. No matter how terrible your situation may be, you can trust Him for the solution. Take your eyes away from men because they cannot help you.

Are you concerned like Peter, about what you will gain having left all to follow Jesus? For your information, your labour is not in vain in the Lord. The Lord has promised to reward you now, with a hundredfold of whatever you have given up serving Him, and to give you eternal life in the world to come. All you need to inherit these promised blessings is to remain faithful and committed as you serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Water Lilies typically grow in very shallow, muddy or miry water. Just like the water lily which stands out white and beautiful in miry water, it is also possible for the believer to exude purity in this filthy world. Although the believer is in the world, they are not of the world. Jesus said: They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world - John 17:16. Beloved, you are there to shine and light up the dark world around you. Always remember that light is stronger than darkness.