Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

In this very well-known story verse 31 is probably the most famous line, but this one struck me just now. The point is, other people are paying attention to how we are living our lives. If we say one thing and do another, any attempts at evangelism will likely be futile. However, when we are under real stress, as Paul and Silas undeniably were here, when our response is to cling even closer to God and sing His praises, then that has a massive impact. The Bible doesn’t record it specifically, but I’d be willing to bet several of the other prisoners got saved that night, too. Actually, I can think of no other reason why at least some of the other prisoners wouldn’t have made a break for it once the earthquake shattered the locks. Healing and the like are certainly notable miracles, but we sometimes overlook the miracle of transformed lives. We forget that God can transform lives, for one thing, and so fail to pray in faith and expectation. As Paul was sharply aware, (1 Timothy 1:15-16) when God can take someone like he was before encountering Christ and make him to be like he was by the end of his life, then God can work with anybody!

As I keep trying to get through to the believers in this church, we are our own best evangelistic material. We do need to have a good grasp of the love and grace of God, to be able to explain it, (1 Peter 3:15) but our own experiences of that love and grace are the best illustrations for sharing that love and grace with others. Japanese are very private people, and sharing personal details isn’t easy for them. I’m never to put them down for not being a “TMI” person like I am, but I am to encourage them to share so that they may experience the joy of leading others to salvation in Christ. When they go through rough stuff, I need to help them recognize that God will later give them opportunities to help others going through similar trials, so they need to pay attention to what they are learning, and give God thanks for it all. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) This is what “being a witness” is all about, even more than getting up before a group and saying a few choice words.

Father, thank You for Your gracious plan in this area. Thank You for the example of this that Cathy is. She has certainly impressed her doctors by her response to her assorted medical problems, and a lot of other people as well. She doesn’t deny that she has the problems, but the testimony of her life is that Your grace is sufficient for her. I pray that we would see a massive harvest from that seed she is sowing so faithfully, and that You would keep her from any unnecessary pain and suffering in the process. Thank You. Praise God!