What can we learn from Paul's calmness in Acts 28:3 for our trials? A sudden strike in the middle of serving “Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand.” (Acts 28:3) What Paul does not do—and why it matters • No panic, shouting, or retreat • Keeps right on tending the fire (v. 5 shows he “shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects”) • Models steady confidence that God’s purpose for him (Acts 23:11) cannot be thwarted by an unexpected strike Roots of Paul’s calmness 1. Promise already given – “Take courage, for as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) 2. Long memory of God’s past rescues (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) 3. Clear understanding of spiritual authority – “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions… Nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19) 4. Heart anchored in Scripture – “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” (Psalm 91:13) 5. Practiced peace – “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) Take-home lessons for our own trials • Attacks often arrive while we are serving, not when we are idle • The right reflex is faith, not fear—shake it off and keep going • God’s promises, once received, outweigh sudden threats • Calm endurance turns observers into listeners; the islanders watched Paul and became open to the gospel (Acts 28:6-10) • Our trials can showcase God’s superiority over what would normally destroy Practical steps to cultivate the same calm 1. Store God’s Word before the trial; recall it during the trial 2. Review past deliverances—faith grows by remembering 3. Speak truth aloud; silence fearful speculation 4. Keep your hands on the task God has given—service itself steadies the heart 5. Expect God to use the very attack as a platform for witness Verses to keep on the ready list • Philippians 4:7—peace that “surpasses all understanding” guards heart and mind • 2 Timothy 4:18—“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” • James 1:12—blessing promised to the one who perseveres under trial Summary Calmness in crisis is not personality but theology in action. Paul’s steady hand over a fire—and a snake—shows how faith in God’s sure promises turns sudden assaults into fresh opportunities for testimony. Shake off the threat, stoke the mission, and watch God turn trials into triumphs. |
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