A funny thing happened on the way to the forum
Acts 28:1-10
1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
While I do think at times life can be pretty random, I find it hard to view yet another shipwreck for Paul as completely coincidental. Where the locals on Malta saw lucky escape from both a ship wreck and then a snake bite, Paul saw opportunity. Paul was open to being used by God, and God positioned Paul so that many people would be healed and hear about the love and power of God. Paul could have chosen to keep a low profile or even take advantage of being mistaken for a god. He did neither. Paul kept the focus on God not himself. I wonder what his Facebook post would have been. ‘Please pray for safety- ship wrecked yet again!’ Or would it have been ‘Praise God met some great new people, and saw many people healed ‘? Same circumstances different perspective. What is the attitude/perspective that God wants me to have to the inconveniences in my life? Would I be as gracious as Paul? Do I look for opportunity or inconvenience? Coincidence or ‘God-incidence‘?? You decide.
Heavenly Father, position me today to do your will. Help me see the opportunities you place before me. May I be a blessing to those around me and bring Glory to you. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen
Written by Christine Knight