it's in the midnight hour

Acts 16:25-26 King James Version

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Sometimes, we wonder why God is not answering our prayers as quickly as we would like. We believe we have done all the praying we know how to do, yet the doors are not opening. The very thing we prayed about still lingers and haunts us. We still lay awake at night, wondering if and when the breakthrough will come. Scripture tells us that some things come through prayer and fasting (Matthew 27:21, KJV), so we incorporate fasting. Still, the outcome does not change.

Then, we resort to confiding in friends and family and seek their opinions and counsel, asking why our situation has not changed. We even begin to question God and ask him why there is a delay in answering our prayers because we want instant deliverance. God and others may have warned us about the repercussions beforehand, but we forget because we desire immediate deliverance and a quick fix.

I hear God saying be patient. When you prayed the first time, I heard you, but be patient. God promised that he will never leave you nor forsake you. It is important to know that God does not think like us. Yes, he sees your suffering right now, but he also can see your future, as bad as you may be hurting due to the situation you are dealing with. God has promised that your latter will be greater than your former (Haggai 2:9 KJV). Your continued faith and patience will not be in vain if you trust God in your waiting.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned, for spreading the gospel of Jesus and leading people to salvation. They did nothing wrong. Yet, they were beaten and held in captivity. Incarceration was not a part of their plan. The feelings of fear, depression, and anxiety could have consumed them, but instead, they prayed and sang to God (Acts 16:25, KJV). Their situation had not changed, yet they were praising God while waiting. Then, at midnight, out of nowhere, they were released from shackles, and the prison doors opened, allowing them to escape (Acts 16:26, KJV). They could have escaped at that time, but, out of obedience, they waited until their official and authorized release from prison, (Acts 16:36-39, KJV).

This is evidence that in your broken and waiting season, God will bring you out of what is holding you captive.  Your midnight hour is on the way. Stand on your faith and hope in Jesus Christ. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry, (Hebrews 10:37 KJV).

Prayer,

Father, I come to you on behalf of my brother and sister, asking that you give them strength, faith, and patience as they wait for you to answer their prayers concerning the situation they are facing. Help them to rebuke and resist negative emotions and self-talk that try to creep into their spirit. Give them a desire to praise and worship you even though their outcome has not changed. Father, we thank you in advance, and these prayers we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.