Faith is a journey. I don’t know about you, but there have been times when my journey seemed like a series of shipwrecks and snake bites. In Acts 27 and 28, it tells a little of what the apostle Paul experienced while walking out (and swimming) his faith journey across land and sea.
It all began way back on his road trip to Damascus when he was stricken blind in order to see. Unveiled to see God in the storm, wrecks, and snakebites of life.
I don’t mind storms, even wrecks, but I hate snakes. I scream like a girl when I come across one, especially in my house! (Yes really, read the story in Crumbs Along the Broken Path).
So, if you’re reading along with me in the book of Acts, you see Paul is on his usual mission – he always is – and needs to get to Rome, but God says, “No, you need to get to Malta” . . . there’s healing to be done.
So, what do you do when ships wreck wide apart and you’re pitched into the dark of the depth? Like Paul, swim.
Once ashore on the isle of Malta, the people greeted him with kindness and welcomed him with a fire on a cold, rainy night. While adding brushwood, a venomous viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on Paul’s hand. Obviously, he was not a snake-handler. He shook it off. It came out of the fire and was cast back into the fire.
Ah, how fickle people shift opinions – they thought Paul must be wicked if he survived a shipwreck only to be taken out by a snake. When he survived, they changed their minds and thought he must be one of the gods.
He shook off the cynics and the enemy-serpent.
The same flesh the viper sank its fangs into was used to bring healing to another.
Paul went to him, praying and laying hands on him, he healed him. After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. Acts 28:8
Sometimes God uses the vile things of life to make up our story. When the snake of life latched on to me, the testimony came out. The venom could do nothing.
I know, we all want to get to where we’re going with no dark clouds, battered wrecks, or bite marks, but life happens and sometimes it gets de-railed. Husbands (or wives) run out, kids aren’t walking with God, sickness comes to stay, jobs close, pockets empty and are only filled with anxiety.
So, what do we do? Just today, focus on the One who settles the wind and the waves instead of the wreck.
And when we get close to the fire and the serpent hangs on – shake it off.
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Verna
sharonb says
Oh sweet friend thank you! This is it right here, “The same flesh the viper sank its fangs into was used to bring healing to another.” God uses those who have been bitten and weathered the storms, doesn’t He? Its His delight to use the weak and broken so that others can see the goodness of the One who works through us! Thank you Jesus!
Verna Bowman says
. . . and thank you, Sharon for adding by your great comment1 Yes, the bitten and the weathered are those who God shows Himself strong! Praise Him. . . .
Betsy Seiz says
Thank you for your message. Today it was most comforting to receive your wisdom. My friend Tycelia, is battling the serpent, as she is watching her husband die. Please pray for her.
Verna Bowman says
Oh, so sorry, Betsy . . . I’ll remember her. And also very sorry for your recent loss. We hoped to be there at your dad’s service, but after being out of work from surgery, I was unable to take the day. I missed you and ask you to send my love to your family.
Glenda Mills says
Verna, I missed this while I was away. Yes there are times we have to swim, otherwise we would drown during those stormy seasons of our lives. I hate snakes too. Shake it off…yes!