Shaking off the viper

Paul had just survived a shipwreck. For two terrifying weeks a violent storm had battered the ship, until it finally broke apart off the island of Malta. Against all odds, every person on board made it to shore. Cold, soaked and exhausted, they were welcomed by the islanders, who lit a fire against the rain.

Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome, pitched in. "Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand."

The islanders were sure they knew what this meant. Paul must be a murderer; he had escaped the sea, but justice had caught up with him. They waited for him to swell up and drop dead. "But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects."

It is a vivid picture. Paul did not panic. He simply shook it off and carried on. God had already promised him that he would stand before Caesar in Rome, and nothing could stop that.

Sometimes hardships fasten onto us one after another: a storm, then a shipwreck, then a snake. In faith, we can shake them off, trusting that God's purposes for us will not be stopped.

Reflect

• What hardship or setback has "fastened itself" to me lately, and how have I been responding to it?
• Which promise of God could help me shake it off and keep going in faith?

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your purposes for my life cannot be stopped, even when trouble comes after trouble. When hardships cling to me, give me Paul's calm trust. Help me shake off fear and discouragement, and keep walking forward in the confidence of your promises. In Jesus' Name, Amen.