SUMMARY: Safe arrival
OVERVIEW: After Paul and his shipmates find refuge on the island of Malta, Paul continues to serve others and focuses on telling others about Jesus.
BIG IDEA: Regardless of your circumstances, faithfully live for God by loving and serving others.
KEY VERSE: Acts 28:7–8 (Paul’s ministry mindset)
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.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Don’t let disruption, disappointment or detours distract you from your true purpose. Your shipwrecks are opportunities to serve and share. Your mess can become a message of hope, allowing you to have an impact in the midst of chaos. Tough circumstances get people’s attention—and you have a message for those who are ready to listen. Keep your eyes on me, not your circumstances.
You may be called a student, doctor, carpenter, teacher, soldier, contractor, parent, son, or daughter, but your true identity is servant. Whether you are hard at work, on vacation, or sidetracked by hardship, you can have an impact in my kingdom. As you follow me, I will lead you to unexpected places. But you can always expect to find opportunities to serve and share. In the ordinary and extraordinary, point people to me. You are my vehicle of hope in a world desperately searching for it. Keep your eyes and ears open to what I am doing. Join me in impacting the world.
NEXT STEP
Put people first. Think about specific individuals you work with or live near. Think of those who frustrate or anger or confuse you, and pray for them. Get to know them and look for opportunities to serve them this week.
MUSIC VIDEO