ACTS 16:25-26
A nine-year-old boy who was the victim of a kidnapping was released because his captor became irritated when the child would not stop singing a gospel song.
The kidnapper used money to lure Willie from his driveway in the US city of Atlanta, Georgia, on March 31, 2014. He then grabbed the schoolboy, put him in his car and drove away from the scene.
During the three hour journey, the boy repeatedly sang Every Praise by Hezekiah Walker, despite his captor cursing at him and telling him to shut up. The man eventually let Willie out of the car unharmed.
Willie’s experience and response is similar to that of Paul and Silas. After being beaten and thrown into jail, they responded by praying and singing praises to God, and the other prisoners heard them. Suddenly there was such a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s bands (chains) came loose.
After beholding what happened, the jailer believed in the God of Paul and Silas, and his entire household was baptized along with him (Acts 16:32-33). Through praise, both physical and spiritual chains were broken that night.
We may not always experience a clearly dramatic rescue like Paul and Silas, or like Willie. But we know that God responds to the praises of His people! When He moves, chains fall apart. Every praise counts!
