Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

  • Home
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Books I Love
  • Savor the Savior Book
  • Hear The Savior Book
You are here: Home / 2016 / Archives for September 2016

Archives for September 2016

Who is Watching? Who is Listening?

September 16, 2016 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the rest of the prisoners were listening to them.  

Acts 16:25 NET

 

jailbarshands

Have you ever been to prison?

I have.

Not as a convict, though. I landed there as a college student  involved in ministry. An experience  forever planted in my head and heart. In Acts 16:25, we learn that Paul and Silas landed in prison (after being beaten) at the hands of the magistrates in a city called  Phillipi.

Many of us know this story from Sunday School: As Paul and Silas worshiped, God freed them from prison via a mighty earthquake. It’s a fabulous plot line, isn’t it?

Yet as I was reading this story the other day, some pre-earthquake words jumped out, “the rest of the prisoners were listening to them”. Paul and Silas had an audience. Here they were- persecuted, beaten, imprisoned and singing?  Wow.

I met beautiful souls during my summer in prison. Women trapped in bars, with the constant stench of cow manure permeating the hot wind. No earthquake set them free. Women singing and worshipping God while others watched and listened.

Have you experienced a prison of your own making? A prison made by another? We all experience suffering and times we’ve felt as if we were in jail or serving a long, severe sentence.

Paul and Silas could have played the victim card. Instead of worship, they could have whined  over their circumstances. Instead, they chose to sing.

Never do I intend to downplay your pain or minimize your circumstance or trial. I know how painful life can be. Believe me sister! (or brother). But I believe this is key: Others are listening and watching us in our trials. Yes! Let’s be  authentic with safe people. However, when others peer inside our prison bars, might they see us worshipping? Do they hear us singing? OR do we play the victim card? Do they hear us complaining?

These questions have burned in me all summer long as I have lived in a prison of emotional, financial and physical pain. As I “do my time”, I have people watching me: Four precious sons, their friends, my friends. There are neighbors, church acquaintances and many who  do not know Jesus. I’m transparent with my people, however, I’m reminded that my trial is a huge opportunity to shine for my King. As a daily reminder of this, my phone’s screen saver says, “LORD, LET THEM SEE YOU IN ME.”  

May others see Him as I serve out my sentence: in my broken places, in my tears and heartache, in my songs of worship.

Who is watching? Who is listening to you? Who are you influencing while you serve out your sentence? Your kids? Unbelieving spouse? Hostile coworkers? Hurting friends?

Difficulties are among God’s favorite display windows, providing a showcase for Christ and His character to everyone.       ~Margaret Feinberg

The world is hurting and knows not where to turn. When we hurt, we know where to turn: Jesus- our strength, endurance, hope, and help.

Whatever kind of sentence you are serving, or jail cell you dwell in, join me in singing to God as people watch us, just as Paul and Silas did.

Verses for further reading:                prison-light-through-window

  • Hebrews 12:1-2
  • Romans 12:12
  • Isaiah 61:1
  • Psalm 104:33
  • Psalm 142:7

 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

About Me

My prayer is that this place and the words written here will bring you a measure of encouragement, friendship and desire to live out your life with PURPOSE. more about me

Subscribe to Blog and Updates

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Instagram

This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
•
Follow
This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
The last boy had his last sports banquet last night. 
What an adventure these four years of baseball have been (Covid, injury, illness, and major back issues to boot). But mostly fun with fabulous memories. These senior boys are a special group. Proud of my Micah! #2weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
•
Follow
The last boy had his last sports banquet last night. What an adventure these four years of baseball have been (Covid, injury, illness, and major back issues to boot). But mostly fun with fabulous memories. These senior boys are a special group. Proud of my Micah! #2weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
•
Follow
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
23 years. I have been watching my boys play on courts and fields for close to 23 years! The final Saatzer brother had his final game yesterday. Mom and Dad shed big tears. #thelasts
•
Follow
23 years. I have been watching my boys play on courts and fields for close to 23 years! The final Saatzer brother had his final game yesterday. Mom and Dad shed big tears. #thelasts
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
•
Follow
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
•
Follow
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
This guy is graduating from college today! #myjosiah
•
Follow
This guy is graduating from college today! #myjosiah
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
Such a special senior ceremony on Monday! Thanks to all the Micah fans who came out in support.  #sixweeksuntilgraduation
•
Follow
Such a special senior ceremony on Monday! Thanks to all the Micah fans who came out in support. #sixweeksuntilgraduation
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
Happy birthday! Micah, you are an amazing young man of character and deep faith, full of joy, fun, and life. You are a solid gold son, brother, friend, and teammate. Have the BEST day, I love you!
•
Follow
Happy birthday! Micah, you are an amazing young man of character and deep faith, full of joy, fun, and life. You are a solid gold son, brother, friend, and teammate. Have the BEST day, I love you!
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Yep!
•
Follow
Yep!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
Easter season is over and I am taking a deep breath of reflection. What a ride Hear the Savior has taken me on since it’s publication! I am deeply grateful to so many of you for cheering for this book (and me). Promoting does NOT come easy to me, but it is part of the deal (I appreciate you not blocking me for bugginess 😜). My heart swells with gratitude.  A special shout out to those who don’t do the “Christianity thing.” Many of you encouraged me and even bought books because of our relationship. This brings tears to my eyes. This is no small miracle in this ever-divided world, and I love you for it.  What will I write next?  This exhausted writer can’t imagine doing it all again (like childbirth?), but she probably will. 💙
•
Follow
Easter season is over and I am taking a deep breath of reflection. What a ride Hear the Savior has taken me on since it’s publication! I am deeply grateful to so many of you for cheering for this book (and me). Promoting does NOT come easy to me, but it is part of the deal (I appreciate you not blocking me for bugginess 😜). My heart swells with gratitude. A special shout out to those who don’t do the “Christianity thing.” Many of you encouraged me and even bought books because of our relationship. This brings tears to my eyes. This is no small miracle in this ever-divided world, and I love you for it. What will I write next? This exhausted writer can’t imagine doing it all again (like childbirth?), but she probably will. 💙
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
•
Follow
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
•
Follow
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
Spring break baseball kinda day!
•
Follow
Spring break baseball kinda day!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
Order in time for Easter gifts! Link in bio.
#hearthesaviorbook #easter #easterdevotional
•
Follow
Order in time for Easter gifts! Link in bio. #hearthesaviorbook #easter #easterdevotional
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
March birthdays (in April).
•
Follow
March birthdays (in April).
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
16/16
View on Instagram

Categories

  • 4 For You
  • Advent
  • Blog Series
  • Books
  • Can We Talk About?
  • Christmas
  • Devotionals
  • Easter
  • FIGHT!
  • Friendship
  • Goals
  • Health
  • Lent
  • Light
  • More of God
  • Mother's Day
  • New Year
  • Parenting
  • Planning
  • Prayer
  • Repost
  • Scripture
  • Seasons
  • Summer
  • Surrender
  • Thanksgiving
  • The Practice of Gratitiude
  • Uncategorized
  • Wisdom

Archives

  • June 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014

From the Blog

  • Four Favorites for June
  • A Time of Release and Resurrection
  • A Time to Remember and Reflect
  • A Time to Rest and Refuel
  • A Time to Reset and Refocus

Popular Tags

#annualbooksblog Advent Books Christmas Christmas Season Comfort Courage Darkness discouragement Easter Faith FIGHT Four for You Friendship Giving Grace grateful Gratefulness gratitude Headlines Holy Spirit Hope Hope series Intentionality Jesus Journaling Lent Light Lingering More of God New Year Parenting Praise Prayer Pslams Purpose Reading Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Saatzer