Ed Greer was a guy who hated his life. He was unhappy with his work. He felt that he was also pressured by his spouse. So, one day Greer decided to check out. And he just disappeared.
His spouse and family searched and searched but they could not find him. Greer crossed the country and decided to live on the beaches in Florida. Later, he assumed a new identity and moved to central Texas and found himself a good paying job.
Finally, after searching for seven years, the FBI found Ed Greer. In an interview, when asked why he bailed out on his family and friends, Greer explained, "I felt trapped. I didn't like my life."
There are times in our lives when circumstances become so trying that we'd be quite glad to trade places with almost anyone. The apostle Paul would have been quite justified to have bemoaned his luck and prayed to God for a new and easier assignment.
In Acts 16, we have that account of Paul and Silas in Philippi. Some objected to Paul's teaching and a riot ensued. Beaten and thrown in prison, we read about the two men in Acts 16:25 - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. What man, having been unfairly accused and unjustly beaten, finds himself able to have a praise and worship service in jail?
The man who trusts in the Lord, that's who!
Perhaps Paul remembered the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all youir heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Your Lord is an ever-present help in times of trouble. Believe that he can get you out of the tightest jam. Paul trusted, was helped by God and was even used to help bring a family to saving faith in the risen Lord. God will help you too. Trust Him!
