Miracles: Every Nation Prayer & FastingSýnishorn

Protection

After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. Acts 28:1–9

As this week of prayer and fasting comes to an end, we’ve surveyed several miracles in the book of Acts. They serve not as spectacles but as a means of accomplishing the mission of God: for us to know him and make him known.

When you live as a follower of Jesus on mission with God, you will naturally attract opposition. The miracle of God’s protection gives us comfort and confidence to live on mission.

We read in Acts 28 that while Paul is heading to Rome, he’s shipwrecked on the island of Malta. A viper bites him but miraculously survives. Just like every miracle has shown us, God is intentional. There’s a purpose underlying each miracle he performs. God protects Paul, but that’s just the start of what he does in Malta. Paul goes on to heal Publius’ father, then people from across the island, showing God's power and preaching the gospel.

This “divine intervention in human affairs” goes far beyond protecting Paul from a snake bite. It extends to the healing of many to the glory of God. Paul then continues on to Rome, trusting in God’s protection and preaching the gospel with boldness and without hindrance.

When we live as followers of Jesus, we attract opposition and invite God’s protection. God protects us from the schemes of the enemy in the same way, he protected Paul from the viper’s venom. He is with us so that we can continue to live for him—to know God and make him known.

With thanksgiving, reflect on a time when God protected you from a harmful situation.

Are there areas in your life where you are believing God for a miracle? Take time and thank God for his love and power.

Faith Step

As we move from this week of prayer and fasting, expect God’s divine intervention in your life as you live to know God and make him known to others.

Pray

God, thank you for intervening in this world with your miraculous power. Thank you for the gift and empowerment of your Holy Spirit. You are the mighty healer, provider, guide, deliverer, and protector that I need. You show your love to me through miracles—open my eyes so I would see your hand move. Give me the boldness to be your witness in this world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for being with me as I live on mission with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.