Bible Reading: Acts 28:1-6
Focus Scripture: But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. Acts 28:5 (NKJV)
The month of July has been challenging for me. Family emergencies, website issues, transportation loss and the passing of a loved one, just to name a few. As each thing would come, sometimes I would think, “God, please have mercy on me and give me a break. This is way too much stuff for me to deal with right now. I have been doing everything you’ve asked of me. Why am I experiencing so much adversity?”
Then I was reminded of all the times God has made a way, consistently covering and protecting. In spite of the challenges I’ve experienced, God has consistently been faithful.
Paul, in the book of Acts, also experienced some consistent challenges. First in chapter 21, we learn that he is advancing the Kingdom of God when he gets arrested for preaching the Gospel. While he was under arrest, the Jews plotted to kill him in chapter 23. Paul then pleads his case and while on his way to Rome with other prisoners, he was shipwrecked in Malta. The storm was so violent that although the prisoners survived, the boat was destroyed, chapter 27. Finally, it appears that Paul was able to catch a break. He was safe on land and no one was trying to kill him on that island. I couldn’t imagine experiencing trouble of that magnitude! But now he could breath a bit, or so we think. In chapter 28, as Paul was trying to build a fire to keep warm, a snake bites him. Really God? Were the previous misfortunes not enough? But what Paul did next was simply amazing. He just shook the snake off his hand and continued with what he was doing. After everything he had just gone through, Paul was confident that God didn’t deliver him to die from some snakebite.
The same is true for you. I don’t know what the snakebite in your life is right now, but I encourage you to be like Paul and shake it off. God didn’t deliver you from previous troubles for you to suffer and die here. If he delivered you before, He will do the same again. Don’t let the venom from your snakebite keep you paralyzed from moving forward to the greatness God has called you to.
Prayer: Father God, the challenges in my life have been great, but You are greater. Thank You for consistently covering and protecting me. Although I may get weary at times, help me to remember that You have all power in Your hands and that Your track record is good. I ask for Your strength as I shake off every adversity that comes my way. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
Carl says
Amen!! His track record is good. Always faithful. Great devotion!
Tiffani says
Thanks Carl! I’m glad it blessed you!
Lisa says
Amen. Pray August is better for you, Sis. Peace.
Tiffani says
Thanks love I really appreciate it!
Elizabeth Marshall says
It is so easy for us to get caught up in the “why me” of it all that I think we often forget the blessings far out weigh the hardships. Thank you for sharing.
Caroline says
I love how you see his goodness. I am so sorry that you are having such a tough month, but you are right God is protecting you.
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard says
So true! Recently I had a HUGE stumbling block put in front of me, but my witness was so powerful as I walked through it with humility. Even an brand new neighbor made a comment about my peaceful and loving nature. I realized that God sometimes shines through us the most when we’re under pressure!
Kay says
Lovely post! He is always there! Reminds me of a sermon that by pastor gave yesterday from Isaiah 59, about God’s standard that is always there to protect us. Our enemies, our anxiety, our tribulations…they come in like a raging flood, but God has power over it!
Kristi says
absolutley love this thought! “The same is true for you. I don’t know what the snakebite in your life is right now, but I encourage you to be like Paul and shake it off. God didn’t deliver you from previous troubles for you to suffer and die here. If he delivered you before, He will do the same again. Don’t let the venom from your snakebite keep you paralyzed from moving forward to the greatness God has called you to.”
Shake it off and don’t let the venom paralyze us! That’s a great image that will stick.
Tara says
This is a great devotional. I have never heard it shared this way. But now I have “Shake It Off!” playing in my head!