The book of Acts records the story of a young slave girl who is possessed by fortune-telling demons. As Paul was ministering, she incessantly kept shouting to the crowds about Paul and Silas's mission and purpose. After a while, Paul became so frustrated that he turned to the girl and cast the demons out of her. 

This Slave girl’s owners used her demon-inspired fortune-telling as a business and, in this way, we’re able to make a lot of money. When the owners of the slave girl realized that Paul and Silas had removed the power of their cash cow, they were angry and proceeded to stir up the whole town. Very shortly, they had convinced the authorities to have Paul and Silas severely beaten and thrown into prison. 

At midnight as Paul and Silas were praising and worshiping God, a supernatural miracle from God happened. A violent earthquake shook the place where they were at, and all of their chains came off. Their prison doors flew open. The jailer in charge came trembling to Paul and Silas and ask them how to be saved. Paul explained the gospel to him, and he and his whole household became believers and were baptized that very night. 

Acts 16:33-34   “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.”

Wow! During this very dark hour, wounded and bleeding, Paul and Silas were praising and worshiping God. When anyone genuinely believes God, the result will be praise, worship, and joy. Yes, enough joy that praises and worship to God is the result!  King David knew what it was like to be in very dark and difficult places, and he said it like this: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4

The peace and purpose that come from believing God is so powerful that it causes the Spirit of joy to flood your being! No matter what you are facing, if you will believe God and cast your cares upon him, the same joy will fill your heart and flood your soul and bring great empowerment to you! Always remember, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17

I am praying today that you will believe God right where you are, with the circumstances you are facing! I pray that you will step into the lifestyle of trusting God because, like Paul and Silas, faith will cause you to be so empowered that even in the midst of great trial you will be… 

POSSESSED BY JOY

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