God is Guiding the Storm
Acts 28.1-20
Even though you may not know the direction of your life right now, God does. You can trust Him. Truly.
Life often feels like a storm-tossed journey. We face trials, setbacks, and unexpected difficulties, leaving us feeling battered and uncertain. But what if we could find strength and purpose even in the midst of life’s storms?
The recount of Paul’s journey to Rome offers a powerful example of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. After enduring six months of perilous sea travel, shipwreck, and near-death experiences, Paul and his companions finally reached the island of Malta, exhausted and soaked.
Showing “unusual kindness” to others, especially strangers, is important. Small acts of compassion can make a profound difference in a world that can often feel cold and indifferent. As followers of Christ, we are called to be beacons of light, offering hope and love to those around us.
Even with the Native’s kindness, Paul’s story doesn’t end with a peaceful respite on Malta. While gathering sticks for a fire, he was bitten by a venomous snake. The locals, seeing this, immediately assumed Paul must be a murderer facing divine judgment. Yet Paul shook off the snake and suffered no harm, leaving the onlookers amazed.
This is exactly what we should do as we deal with the “snakes” in our lives—those sins, addictions, or negative influences that seek to poison our spirits. Too often, we allow these things to maintain their grip on us, making excuses or claiming to “struggle” without truly fighting for freedom. The message is clear: we must learn to “shake off” these harmful influences and then run the other way. Let’s not wait around to be bitten again.
Are there areas where we’ve become too comfortable with sin? Have we allowed addictions or worldly pursuits to fasten themselves to us, sapping our spiritual strength? It’s time to take authority in Christ and decisively shake off these hindrances.
After shaking off and surviving the snake, Paul doesn’t waste any time and begins ministering to the sick on the island. The very hands that picked up sticks and shook off the viper are now used by God to bring healing. Remember our past struggles and trials can become part of our testimony, equipping us to minister to others in unique ways.
Throughout his journey, Paul maintained a servant’s heart. Despite his prominence and spiritual authority, he didn’t consider any task beneath him. This attitude opened doors for ministry that might otherwise have remained closed. It’s a challenge to our own hearts—are we willing to serve in humble, unseen ways? Are we willing to pick up sticks, clean toilets, or take out the trash? Or do we only desire the spotlight and recognition?
After the very long and arduous journey of trial after trial, Paul finally reached Rome, and he found encouragement in the presence of fellow believers. Fellowship with other believers is so important and not something to forsake. We were not meant to walk this journey alone. The gathering of believers provides strength, comfort, and mutual edification. You can’t get that on your own.
Even under house arrest in Rome, Paul continued to share the gospel with whoever would listen. He saw his circumstances not as limitations but as opportunities to spread the message of hope in Christ. Despite personal hardships, this unwavering focus on his mission is truly inspiring.
So, how do we apply these truths to our own lives?
- Cultivate a servant’s heart: Look for opportunities to serve others, even in small, seemingly insignificant ways. Remember, no task is too menial when done for the glory of God.
- Show “unusual kindness”: In a world often marked by indifference or hostility, let your actions stand out as beacons of Christ’s love.
- Shake off the “snakes”: Identify areas where sin or negative influences have taken hold in your life. Take decisive action to break free, relying on God’s strength.
- Use your trials as testimony: Don’t waste your pain. Allow God to use your past struggles to minister to others facing similar challenges.
- Prioritize Christian fellowship: Make regular gatherings with other believers a non-negotiable part of your spiritual life.
- Maintain an eternal perspective: Like Paul, see your circumstances – good or bad – as opportunities to advance God’s kingdom.
As you navigate the storms of life, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Allow His strength to flow through you. Shake off the things that hinder, and press forward with courage. For in Christ, you are more than a conqueror – you are a beloved child of God, called to make a difference in this world, one act of unusual kindness at a time.
