Children’s Sermon

Acts 16:16-34

The Best of a Bad Situation

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Acts 16:16-34

The Best of a Bad Situation

By Lois Parker Edstrom

(Note to clergy: This text is difficult for kids. I’ve pared it down to an element suitable for them.)

The disciple, Paul and his friend, Silas traveled around to different cities telling others about God’s love.

Because they were in a different part of the country, in an area that had different laws and customs, there was a misunderstanding and these two men were beaten and thrown into prison. How scary would that be!

Now here is an important lesson that we can apply to our own lives. When they found themselves in prison they may have been frightened and they were undoubtedly in pain from the beating. They probably were angry about what had happened to them, but they did something unexpected.

The story tells us that “about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (16:25).

Wow, that seems remarkable. These two men, even though they found themselves in a terrible situation, decided to pray and sing to God. They made a choice to turn to God and give thanks. They made the best of a bad situation.

There may be times in your life that will be difficult. You may find yourself in an unfair or frightening situation. At that time you can make an important decision––you can choose to “pray and sing to God.” You can decide to make the best of a bad situation.

The story tells us that other prisoners listened to Paul and Silas praying and singing. Not only were Paul and Silas strong, they helped the other prisoners understand that they also could pray and stay strong. Making good choices helps us through tough times. Pray and sing to God. Find your strength.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2010, Richard Niell Donovan