Praying

And Putting Hands On

After we had reached safety, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us around it. Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but after they had waited a long time and saw that nothing unusual had happened to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They bestowed many honors on us, and when we were about to sail, they put on board all the provisions we needed.

Acts 28:1-10

Paul was taken to an island and imprisoned. For many of us that would be enough for our systems to shut down. But then a viper wrapped itself around him. Paul witnessed. He threw the viper off and into the fire. Paul contributed to the work and needs of his fellow men. He heeled them.

Perhaps you have been set aside for awhile due to difficult circumstances. Maybe you have reached a time in your life when vigorous activity is no longer possible. Don’t despair. Do what you can do, even if it seems more simple than you are used to.

God never puts you in the wrong place to serve Him.

Our Daily Bread – August 15, 2008