Friday, October 27
Acts 28:7-9
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.
Devotional:
Do you ever feel like you were just in the right place at the right time? Perhaps that is how Paul often felt when he was traveling around, performing miracles in Jesus name. But Paul knew something, that all of us can know now. Our God is sovereign, and He reigns over every part of our lives. We don’t have to question or wonder if He is good; we can know it, with certainty. Paul didn’t just happen upon Publius’ house when his father just happened to be sick in bed and dying. We must realize that God knew this was all going to happen. In fact, God knew it all before any of these men were even born… wow! God also knew that these events would bring honor and glory to His name. There was never any question – and we don’t have to question either.
If you are going through a valley of suffering, you can be sure of this one thing – God sees you. He doesn’t wish these valleys for you, but sometimes we just have to walk through them. He has promised that for those who love Him, He works every single thing out for good. That’s a promise you can hold on to, even in the middle of the night when you have nothing else left.
Your God is good. He has promised He will work everything out for good. God knows all things and was aware of our every circumstance even before the day we drew our first breaths. He sees your whole life out in front of you, but sometimes only gives light for our next step. Know this friend, God sees you and He is crazy in love with you. And just like Publius’ father, He wants the very best for your life, no matter what.
Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the opportunity to know that You have a perfect plan for our lives. We know that You are the Author of good stories; and even if our story doesn’t look good right now, it will work out in the end. We pray for peace, to endure the trials that you have set before us. We ask that we would feel your presence; may Your Holy Spirit stir inside of us when an opportunity to shine Your light arises. We ask that You would continue to bless us as we walk the road that you have perfectly crafted for us. Help us not to be discouraged when things don’t seem to be going the way we had hoped they would. We know you are a good Father, and we thank you for that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application:
Today, you can LIVE in a new way for God, by living like Paul. Paul was a willing servant, open to going wherever God wanted him to go. Open your eyes to God’s leading; see the opportunities God has set before you. And remember that in every step, He so loves you.