As Paul makes his way to Rome to meet with Caeser, he and his companions are shipwrecked but find safety in Malta. While on shore, he is bitten by a viper but his response is nonchalant:
4When the islanders saw
the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must
be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice
has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6
The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after
waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they
changed their minds and said he was a god.
While there is no mention of a more dramatic response from Paul to this snake attack, one is left to assume that he did not scream or agonize - almost as if the attack was expected and the outcome expected as well. When we are attacked, by Satan, or other threats - do we respond with such certainty that God is in charge and God will protect, heal, etc.
My Prayer: Lord, You DO protect, heal, provide and SO MUCH MORE! How awesome You are and how desperately I need You because of my brokenness. Help me grow in my faith, trust and devotion in service to You Lord.
