From Pain To Praise

FROM PAIN TO PRAISE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 16:16-34

Supporting Texts: Psalm 34:1, Isaiah 61:3, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Habakkuk 3:17-19

INTRODUCTION:

Life can bring unexpected seasons of pain, disappointment, and hardship. Even the most faithful believers can find themselves in difficult places where hope seems lost and joy appears far away. But in the midst of pain, there is a powerful weapon that heaven honours—praise. Praise is not just a response to good times; it is a declaration of trust in God even when nothing seems to make sense.

Paul and Silas were doing God’s will when they were beaten and imprisoned. Yet, in the darkness of their cell, they chose to sing praises to God. That moment of praise turned their situation around. God responded with an earthquake, chains broke, doors opened, and salvation came to a whole household. This reminds us that praise has power to break the chains of pain and usher in the supernatural.

Today, no matter what pain or burden you carry, God is calling you to shift your focus from your problem to His presence. He wants to turn your pain into praise, and your sorrow into songs of deliverance.

1. PAIN CAN COME EVEN WHEN YOU’RE IN GOD’S WILL

Serving God doesn’t exempt us from trials. Paul and Silas were on a mission from God, yet they faced harsh persecution.

a) Obedience may attract opposition (Acts 16:16-18):

Doing what is right can stir spiritual and human resistance.

b) Trials test the depth of our faith (James 1:2-3):

Our trials refine and strengthen our faith in God.

c) Pain doesn’t mean God has abandoned you (Romans 8:35-37):

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

d) Every suffering has a divine purpose (2 Corinthians 4:17):

Temporary pain produces eternal glory when handled with faith.

Biblical Example: Joseph suffered in Egypt despite his dreams, but God used the pain to elevate him (Genesis 50:20).

2. PRAISE INVITES GOD’S PRESENCE AND POWER

Praise is a powerful tool that invites divine intervention. God inhabits the praises of His people.

a) Praise shifts your focus from problem to God (Psalm 34:1):

Praising God lifts your eyes above the pain to His greatness.

b) Praise is a sign of spiritual maturity (Habakkuk 3:17-19):

It shows you trust God beyond circumstances.

c) God responds to true heart-felt praise (Psalm 22:3):

He inhabits the praises of His people and moves mightily.

d) Praise confuses the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:22):

When Judah praised, God ambushed their enemies.

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat and his people won a war through praise (2 Chronicles 20:21-24).

3. PRAISE BREAKS CHAINS AND OPENS DOORS

In the darkest hour, praise can provoke a divine turnaround.

a) Praise releases supernatural power (Acts 16:25-26):

As Paul and Silas praised, an earthquake shook the prison.

b) Chains can’t resist the power of praise (Isaiah 61:3):

God gives the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

c) Doors that were shut begin to open (Revelation 3:8):

God opens doors no man can shut.

d) Praise brings deliverance not just to you but to others (Acts 16:27-30):

Other prisoners were set free too.

Biblical Example: The prison doors opened and the jailer’s household got saved (Acts 16:31-34).

4. GOD TURNS PAIN INTO PURPOSE AND PRAISE

What starts as pain can end in testimony when we surrender to God.

a) God uses pain to accomplish His purpose (Romans 8:28):

All things work together for the good of those who love God.

b) Pain can lead others to salvation (Acts 16:31):

Your endurance may be the key to someone else’s breakthrough.

c) God rewards faithful endurance (Galatians 6:9):

In due season, we shall reap if we do not faint.

d) Praise is a doorway to your next level (Psalm 100:4):

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

Biblical Example: Hannah praised after her pain and became the mother of a prophet (1 Samuel 2:1-10).

CONCLUSION:

Your pain is not the end of your story. If you can praise God in your darkest hour, you invite Him to rewrite your testimony. Praise in the midst of pain is one of the highest expressions of faith. Don’t allow your prison to silence your praise. Like Paul and Silas, turn your pain into a platform for worship, and watch God move on your behalf.

When you shift from complaining to praising, chains break, doors open, and lives are transformed—including your own. Let praise arise, even in the prison. Your midnight can become your miracle moment.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, turn every pain in my life into praise.

2. Father, give me grace to trust You in dark seasons.

3. Let every chain in my life break by the power of praise.

4. Fill my heart with songs of deliverance.