I think it’s safe to say that we all have a lot to be thankful for. There is so much to give God praise for. I also think it’s safe to say that while God has done a lot, it’s not ALL He wants to do in and through you.
3 John 1:2 explains that you prosper as your soul prospers. Prosperity doesn’t come from what you can do for yourself; rather it comes from acknowledging the One who can do it for you. Our souls are healthy and prosperous when we set our eyes on Jesus.
Looking at Acts 27 and Paul’s journey to Rome via shipwreck, we see that those aboard the ship traveling to Rome had troubles. They had a storm come their way that blew them off course.
Paul says to the people in verse 21-22, “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.”
He gave these people a hope they did not understand. He goes on to say in verse 26, “Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” He’s telling these people they’re going to be okay, but stranded in a place that isn’t their home.
As Christians we live our lives everyday in this same predicament. Hebrews 13:14 tells us that this earth is not our home, but we are looking for our home that is to come - Heaven. The Bible also lets us know that in this world we will have troubles. We will face hardships, we will face trials, “but be of good cheer, for I have already overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The same hope Paul gave the people on the ship with him, is the same hope we carry with us. However, there is work to be done in the waiting. There is a calling - a purpose to be fulfilled in each and every one of our lives.
Genesis 1:26-27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” Imagine a glove. A glove was created in the image and likeness of a hand, right? Even still, a glove has no purpose unless a hand is actively wearing it. In the same way, we were never meant to be separate from God, because our purpose is completely linked to our relationship with Him. The enemy wants nothing more than to destroy fulfillment of your purpose, make you question your calling. He wants to keep you separated from God.
During the shipwreck in Acts 27, the ship becomes completely torn apart. As far as getting to the island, it was only the debris that held the people afloat. God will break things up that we feel falsely secure in, whether by the loss of someone or something. But just like these survivors, we have to grab onto the debris. Not only that, but we must begin to kick to get to our destination. Sometimes the debris you’re holding onto can be the very lifesaver you need that gets you to dry land.
Acts 28 starts off with everyone making it to the shore of the island safely. Paul immediately helps with gathering wood for the fire, despite the wild circumstance of just being shipwrecked. He didn’t let what he’d just been through stop him from serving on this island that wasn’t his home. His serving didn’t just end there. As he was fueling the fire, “a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand” (Acts 28:3).
Have you ever noticed in life that just when you’re gaining momentum, something latches itself onto you? Maybe it’s an old habit or addiction you’ve been trying to break that suddenly revisits. Well, Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. We can learn from Paul by displaying his same actions. Shake it off. Shake off fear, criticism, pain, addiction, doubt, and whatever tries holding you back.
The people of the island expected Paul to swell up or suddenly fall dead to the ground. But after a long time of waiting to see either of those happen, they decided he must be a god. Paul didn’t let another crazy experience discourage him. Even after a shipwreck and being bit by a snake, Paul continued to serve those around him.
The chief official of the island, Publius, had a father who was sick, suffering in bed. He welcomed Paul and the others to his home. “Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him” (Acts 28:8). God will use you in spite of your wounds to heal others. We need to understand that our life circumstances don’t make us exempt from serving. You’re going through heartache? Go and pray for the widow who's been feeling lonely. You’re suffering from a sickness? Go lay hands on the family member who just received a bad diagnosis and pray for their healing.
God is looking for someone that will still serve even while they are suffering. Don’t wait until you’re in the “right place”. Live out your calling where you are right now.
