Listen to today’s devo!

But many who heard the message believed. (Acts 4:4)

The late Charles Colson found freedom in prison. As a former presidential advisor, Colson was imprisoned for his part in the 1972 Watergate break-in. But after his conversion to Christ, he turned his jail-time experience into a national prison ministry that has brought spiritual freedom to thousands of prisoners. A great purpose is often born in great problems.

Peter and John discovered a God-given purpose in their imprisonment by the Sadducees for preaching about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Sadducees were part of the Jewish religious council. Not believing in eternal life, they feared Peter and John’s teaching would threaten their power, so they reacted with a vengeance. But their opposition did not defeat God’s purpose. The Scripture says in Acts 4:4 that “many who heard the message believed.” In fact, in just a few days, thousands of people discovered freedom in Christ.

Problems often lead to opportunity, especially when we lean into the Spirit of God that is present. No matter what you face, you can know that an extraordinary God has an extraordinary purpose for you that may be born during times of extraordinary opposition. Likewise, your story matters as part of the greater gospel narrative. Sharing his deliverance and your victory may be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison door.

Remember that someone needs your story as a path out of a problem.

Jerry Brecheisen is an author and ordained elder who served The Wesleyan Church as a pastor and director of communications at the headquarters in Indiana.

© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.