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“Paul’s Bite” by Kirk Hunt
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
Acts 28:4 KJV
Consider the cast of characters in Paul’s traveling group: pagan sailors, heathen soldiers and criminals-in-custody. Surely, one of them “better deserved” a deadly, poison bite. Still, it is Paul’s hand that is injected with venom.
Paul’s bite represents the negative events and circumstances that happen, even to the most Godly men and women. The folks looking on may mis-understand why it happened to you. Unfortunately, other Christian saints can get it wrong as well.
Even the negative things in our lives happen with God’s permission. Perhaps He is correcting a weakness in you. Maybe He is building a strength into you. It’s possible you are an illustrated lesson for someone else. God has His purpose, even for this.
Whatever the reason, go through your circumstances with grace. Endure with patience. Measure the comments of bystanders with Scripture.
God has His reasons. Trust His all-knowing wisdom. Remember His unending love for you. Don’t forget to shake it off (v. 5).
Think: Jesus loves you no matter what is happening in your life.
Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You and Your plan for my life.”
Copyright © July 2009, Kirk Hunt