God’s work does not stop at disaster.
Welcome to the final day of our journey through the book of Acts. Did you enjoy it?
If you’d like to go through this journey again at your own pace or if you’ve missed a day, I’ve got good news for you. We’ve turned this series into an e-book that includes extra material and follow-up questions for each chapter. You can download it for free on our website!
Although Acts 28 is the final chapter, it might be the most eventful one.
After the ship sinks, Paul and the other passengers finally wash ashore. The inhabitants of the island of Malta receive them kindly and build a fire to warm everyone in the cold.
As Paul helps put wood on the fire, a poisonous snake suddenly bites his hand. The people of the island immediately think this is a sign of punishment. But to the surprise of onlookers, Paul shakes the snake off and remains unharmed.
Later in the chapter, Paul also heals Publius's father, and afterwards, more sick people come to him and are healed. What began with a shipwreck thus becomes a moment when God's power becomes visible to many people on the island.
Sometimes it seems as if setbacks are piling up. First a storm, then a shipwreck, and after that a snake as well. In life, problems can sometimes follow one another quickly. Just when you think you finally have solid ground under your feet, something new happens again.
Yet this chapter shows that God’s work does not stop at disaster.
The shipwreck was not the end of Paul’s journey. Even the snake bite could not stop God’s plan. What seemed intended as a danger ultimately became an opportunity for Paul to demonstrate God’s power.
The Book of Acts has an open ending because its story of proclaiming God’s Kingdom still continues today, and you and I also have a part to play in it!
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your work continues, even when everything is against me. Teach me to trust that Your plan does not stop and use my life to show Your strength to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
