40 Days of MiraclesSample

Paul Heals the Father of Publius and Others

If it were not for the storm, the shipwreck, and all that the crew and passengers suffered, Paul would never have been on this island. He never would have been a guest at Publius' estate. Publius’s father would likely have died, and those who heard of his healing miracle would never have come to the Apostle for their own healing. Sometimes we suffer so that others may be healed. That's not a popular theological truth in a culture that commits vast resources to alleviate suffering and ensure our comfort. However, we cannot read about Paul's life and journeys without carrying away that simple lesson. We cannot encounter our next inconvenience even without asking, "Lord, who is this for?"

Questions for Reflection

• Have you ever been able to trace a blessing or healing, whether physical or otherwise, to the suffering of another?
• How do you relate to the idea that God may ask you to bear a cost of someone else's healing?
• Would you be in if you knew something you suffered would lead to life and healing for others?