Tanya pushed her cart through the produce section and picked out a package of strawberries. A familiar voice sounded from behind.

            “Hi friend,” Leslie said. “How are you holding up?”

            Tanya turned and embraced Leslie. “It’s good to see you. I’m doing OK, all things considered.”

            “Yeah, you’ve had a really rough year. Between Dan’s layoff and your diagnosis, I’m sure it’s a bit overwhelming.”

            “Yeah, well there’s more. On top of all that, Michael is failing out of school. His guidance counselor has called us three times this month.”

            “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I’m praying for all of you. How else can I help?”

            Tanya pushed her cart to the side as another shopper passed by. “Praying is helpful. I have good days and bad days, but I’m still able to work, which is a blessing, considering I’m now the breadwinner of the family. I’m worried I’m a bad witness to my coworkers, though.”
            “What do you mean? You’re dealing with all these trials, but you still have a positive attitude. I would think you would be an inspiration to your coworkers.”

            “I don’t think so. I think they probably look at me and see a life with all kinds of problems. Why would they want to be Christians if this is what life looks like?”

            Leslie tapped a finger to her lips. “I was just reading a story in Acts this morning that I think would help you.”

            “OK, I’m game,” Tanya said. “I don’t remember a story about someone going through all this stuff I’m going through, but I’m happy to listen.”

            Leslie’s smile was gentle. “Yes, you’re dealing with several trials, but there were plenty of people in the Bible who had difficult times, too. The story I’m thinking of is about Paul and Silas. They were beaten and thrown into prison, just for talking about Jesus. When they were in prison, they didn’t complain. They prayed and sang hymns.”
            “So you’re saying I should sing about all the bad things going on?” Tanya asked.

            “No, that’s not what I mean. Listen to what happened next. An earthquake shook the prison and all the doors were opened. The prisoners didn’t try to escape. And the most amazing thing was, the jailer ran to Paul and Silas and asked them how he could be saved.”

            “Really?” Tanya asked.

            “Yes, really,” Leslie said. “Do you know why the jailer asked them that?”

            Tanya shook her head.

            “Because he saw them beaten and thrown in jail, and they spent the night praying and singing. He saw them deal with trials with grace and peace. He wanted that peace for himself. He became a Christian that night. And what’s more, so did his whole household. Not only did Paul and Silas’ behavior draw him to Christ, he then went and shared that with others.”

            A glimmer of hope lit in Tanya. “Are you saying when my coworkers see me dealing with my trials, it might actually point them to Jesus?”

            Leslie grinned. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Sometimes your trials are about shaping you, but sometimes they’re about the people around you. I’ve seen how you’ve handled yourself this year. You’ve been full of grace and light and optimism. You shouldn’t worry about your coworkers being turned off to God. I think they just might find Him through you.”

Acts 16: 22-34

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

Dear God, thank You so much for the encouragement we find in Your word. The examples of those who have gone before us are an inspiration. Help us to remember that our trials have a purpose. Sometimes the way we react to them can be a ministry in itself. Please give us strength to follow Your will, even in the difficult times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.