Is a calamity the end of the story? Does a demotion at work mean the end of God’s grace? Name the problem or circumstance. How about being arrested, forced transport under guard, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake – I think that qualifies for a really bad month. Is that the end of the story, or was God up to something?
Sometimes, God uses our problems, tragedies, and problems as opportunities. Now, it is important to avoid becoming fatalistic in this. It’s not that God assigns these problems, but he uses them nonetheless. Consider – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28, NLT)
For a real-life example of this, consider Paul. In Acts, there are several instances of trouble leading to an opportunity. A beating and imprisonment ultimately led to the salvation of an entire family. Another is what we alluded to above.
Paul had been arrested. The trial provided an opportunity to speak to a king about Christ. During that trial, he appealed to be heard by Caesar, as was his right as a Roman Citizen. Not long afterward, he was transported under guard by ship toward Rome. The whole story is in Acts 27 and the first part of 28.
During the voyage, a storm came up and raged for several days. “The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’” (Acts 27:19–24) The boat drifted for about 14 days until they neared a shoreline.
The sailors tried to land the craft on the shore but struck a sandbar. It didn’t take long for the ship to break up. That may have been the end of Paul since the guards planned to kill the prisoners, but the Centurian prevented it. All of the sailors, guards, and prisoners swam safely to shore.
The people of Malta showed them some kindness and started a fire since it was rainy and cold. Paul helped to gather some wood and put it on the fire. But a snake came out of the wood and bit Paul. The locals watched, expecting Paul to swell up or die. But after waiting and seeing no harm from the snakebite, they changed their minds and thought Paul to be a god.
But that is not the end of the story either. For Paul began to minister to the locals and taught them about Jesus. “Near the shore where we landed was an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and treated us kindly for three days. As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him. Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed.” (Acts 28:7–9, NLT)
God used a trial, a storm, a shipwreck, and a snakebite to reach people on the shores of Malta. We don’t search for troubles, but when they come, we should look for God’s hand. He may be bringing you to a place, person, or need you wouldn’t normally encounter.
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