So What…

…does that mean for my family?

Where in the Word? Acts 28:1-16 Healing and Discouragement

Cross Reference Verse: I Samuel 2:30

…can we do?

Pull out some rubber bands and tell your family to get stretching. Use all different sizes, and stretch them just as far as you think they can go. See how much it takes before they break. Sometimes in our journey with God we feel like rubber bands. God seems to be stretching us and stretching us until we think we will pop. But unlike the rubber bands, God promises us that He won’t let us break. In fact, He will honor those who submit to the pull.

“Those who honor Me, I will honor.”

…can we talk about?

As if Paul had not been through enough. He just survived a harrowing shipwreck, and now while collecting brushwood for a fire, he is bitten by a venomous viper. From the passage, we know that it wasn’t even close to fatal, but it must’ve hurt at least a little bit. I can imagine myself looking up to God and saying, “OK, God, thanks that I didn’t swell and die, but don’t you think you could just give me a little more of a break here? ! I’m going to Rome for you; I’ve been through a shipwreck for you not to mention the stoning and the flogging. A few days of easy street would really be nice.”

Paul’s rubber band stayed stretched to the limit most of the time. But he didn’t seem to get stuck in the “I’m tired of being stretched” syndrome that we can find ourselves in. If we are really honest, I ‘d bet there are times that we’d like to ask God to leave us alone for just a little while. We’re not rejecting Him as Savior; we just maybe would like to take a recess from His Lordship. It wouldn’t be so bad to be a wall flower for just one dance. Blending into the background could be quite appealing. But would it, really?

It’s good to remember that a relationship with God gives us purpose for our daily lives, not just a front row seat in heaven. Paul wasn’t imprisoned for a god who was merely holding a future place for him; he was imprisoned with a God who was there through it all, a God who honors those who honor Him.

Paul probably wouldn’t have been flogged, stoned, and shipwrecked if God had not changed him that day on the road to Damascus. He could have lived a much easier life of wealth and riches. He could’ve missed out on a lot of pain. But he also would’ve missed out on a life of purpose, a life that made a difference in the lives of others.

…can we pray for?

Thank You, God, that when You stretch us out of our comfort zones that You promise we won’t break. In fact, you promise that you will honor us in our honoring of You. Help us to believe You. Give us strength, wisdom and patience to know your way.