I just finished reading through the book of Acts. In the final chapter, Paul survives a shipwreck only to get bitten by a snake. He was helping the people make a fire when a poisonous snake jumped out and bit him. The people of Malta, where he was shipwrecked, thought this was a sign that he was a cursed criminal. Who else could survive a terrible storm at sea only to die on land by a snakebite?!? Yet, Paul did not die. God spared his life. That horrible event became a catalyst for God to do a great thing. The people of Malta recognized something special was going on with Paul. It was an opportunity to show and teach the Good News about Jesus. I am sure Paul would have preferred not getting bitten, yet he would have missed out on seeing how God could use that moment for good.
When bad things happen, we are often tempted to think we are cursed or that God doesn't care about us. We often focus on what is going wrong in the moment. This story reminded me that God can turn all things around for good in our lives (Romans 8:28). God can use difficult situations as an opportunity for his help and his hope to shine through.
If you know someone going through a hard time, encourage them with the Good News that God loves them and has them in his hands. If you are going through a hard time, remember that God is not done with you yet. No matter what challenge you face, God can use it for good when we trust in him.
God bless!
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