FRIDAY March 8, 2024
Unusual Kindness
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
Acts 28:1-2
The ship was a total loss––it was wrecked on the jagged reefs. The men, wet and weary, reached the sandy beaches of Malta. God allowed this to happen. He permitted the storm and the shipwreck to allow Paul to spend three months on this Island before continuing his journey to Rome. The Apostle could share the Gospel and teach the Word of God to the natives. Paul was always open to the Holy Spirit and the opportunities God had given to him. He was so open-hearted.
Imagine, the natives saw all these men coming to the shore. The word natives in the Greek language means “barbarians.” Yet the natives on Malta were civilized, not uncivilized. It simply was a reference used for people who did not speak Greek.
The shipwrecked men found themselves in an unpleasant situation; they were cold and hungry and without any shelter. God touched the hearts of the natives to help them. They showed the men unusual kindness––making a fire to warm them, feeding them, and giving them dry clothing. They went out of their way to take complete care of them.
When things go wrong in your life, are you open-hearted to what God wants you to do? Nothing happens by coincidence. What happens when you get a flat tire? Do you grumble and complain when things do not go as planned? It is a great inconvenience, but what about looking around and asking the Lord what He wants you to do. Is there someone He wants you to speak to? Someone needs to hear the Gospel; otherwise, He would not have allow the detour. Know this: Everything God allows in your life has a divine purpose.
Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.
~Eric Liddell~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
