When we believe, we surrender.

Sometimes, even when you do good to others, you may suffer persecution because of it. As you help people, there will be some who won’t like what you’re doing.

This is what happened to Paul and Silas after they freed a woman who was possessed by an evil spirit. Instead of being appreciated, they were accused of preaching a message contrary to the customs of the people. They were beaten and thrown into prison.

Remember, persecution can be a sign that your faith is approved. Never be afraid to be persecuted, because great is your reward in heaven.

Moreover, even in prison, Paul and Silas did not complain or curse God, nor did they give in to sorrow. Instead, they prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). When you have the Holy Spirit, you can see beyond problems, difficulties, and hardships, and you do not abandon your faith. Rather, these strengthen you and make you even more determined to serve the Lord.

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, ‘Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.’ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Acts 16:26-33

After these events, the jailer believed in the message of Paul and Silas and recognized that they were men of God. His question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”, led to the salvation of both him and his household.

Do you believe that Jesus was sent in human form, preached the gospel, healed the sick, delivered the oppressed, died on the cross, and through His death reconciled us with God? If you do, then you should give your life to Jesus. But if you have not surrendered your life to Him, it means you have yet to truly believe.

To believe in Jesus means to have no other gods, and to follow His footsteps, teachings, and words every day of your life.

Just like in marriage, my wife and I believed in each other and had faith that it would work. Faith led us to give ourselves fully to one another and to the love we share today. Similarly, faith is the path that leads us to the love of God.

When we truly believe in God, we surrender our all to Him, and He gives us His Holy Spirit. Many people give tithes, offerings, participate in campaigns, and even sacrifice possessions—but they do not give their hearts.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31