Today’s Key Scripture

“He shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.”

— Acts 28:5

Paul was shipwrecked off the island called Melita, and the challenges continued:

The natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. (Acts 28:2-3)

When the island natives saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live” (Acts 28:4).

He could have screamed, “I’m going to die! I can’t believe this is happening to me! This is so unfair after all I’ve been through!” Instead, Paul simply shook the serpent off.

The islanders watched in amazement as he had no ill effects to the point that “they changed their minds and said that he was a god” (Acts 28:6). As a result, “the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed” (verse 9).

Only the Holy Spirit can turn your conflict into victory. That is His desire as you abide in His lovely presence.

 

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I seek to be used of You to bring victory in every situation. I pray that You would use me as Your vessel. I speak usefulness, fulfillment, and victory over every area of my life. I choose You today—Your plan, Your holiness, and Your guidance. Reveal the areas in my life that are not surrendered to You, and help me to triumph, even as I seek balance in You. I humbly pray all these things in Jesus’ precious name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.