Here’s a blunt question? Have you ever seriously considered suicide? Many of us have. Contemplating suicide at some point in life is not limited to a select few. Suicide rates within the military are at an all-time high. Leaders, both inside and outside the military, are searching for answers. Not much success. Fundamentally, suicide represents the loss of hope. The jailer in this story lost hope when he thought his prisoners had escaped following an earthquake that opened prison doors. Figuring that he faced certain death at the hands of Roman soldiers for failing in his mission, the jailer was about to commit suicide.
“The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped” (Acts 16:27, NKJV).
But Paul came to the rescue, shouting out to the jailer that all prisoners were still present. Armed with new information, hope quickly returned for the jailer. Whenever you feel down and your hope is melting away, remember the jailer. New information restored his hope and helped him to regain perspective. God stands ready with new information that will restore your hope. Just ask Him!
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
