The God of Suddenlies

By Bishop Keith A. Butler

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas, obeying God's will, were beaten, humiliated, then thrown in an inner prison and placed in stocks. They began to sing praises unto God despite being in the setback! It's helpful to have somebody with you when you experience a setback!

The enemy may attack you suddenly, but God will deliver you suddenly. Their setback was sudden, and their deliverance was sudden. God sent an earthquake, and the prison doors were opened and their shackles were loosed.

The jailer was saved, his family was saved, and a church was established. Paul later talks about this church; it gave money to help other people because the church had become so large and so strong.

Paul responded to the setback with praise, and it created a powerful force of God that broke the bonds of the enemy. Whatever the enemy has bound you with in the middle of setback, you're going to have to do what Paul's going to do in another place: you're going to have to shake it off!

God had called Paul, but God's call does not mean you won't experience setbacks; it just means that if you continue to obey God you'll experience great victory! God will accomplish His mission! What God said shall come to pass!

Prayer for Today

Father,
I confess that at times I don't respond to setbacks in faith. I repent of my doubt and fear, and I look to you to bring sudden release and provision. You alone are the source of my hope. I turn my eyes to you, and offer you praises for your faithfulness and deliverance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Selah: Think on These Things

• Psalm 18:3
• Psalm 42:5