How can we trust God's sovereignty in dangerous situations like Paul in Acts 28:5? Acts 28:5 — A Snapshot of Unshakable Confidence “ But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.” (Acts 28:5) What Sovereignty Looks Like in Real Time • A deadly viper latched on, yet Paul calmly shook it off. • The threat was real; so was the Lord’s rule over every cell of the serpent’s body. • God’s providence did not remove Paul from danger; it ruled over the danger. • The islanders expected death, but divine purposes overruled natural venom. Tracing the Thread: Other Moments of Divine Control • Daniel 3:27 — The fire had “no power” over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. • Isaiah 43:2 — “When you walk through the fire, the flames will not scorch you.” • Psalm 91:3-4 — He “will deliver you from the deadly pestilence…under His wings you will find refuge.” • 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 — Paul recalls being “under a death sentence,” yet God “delivered us…and will deliver us again.” Why We Can Rest in the Same Sovereign Hands • God’s rule is absolute: “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does.” (Psalm 135:6) • His purposes are loving: “All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) • Christ’s victory is final: “Neither death nor life…nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:38-39) • Our days are numbered by Him alone: “In Your book were written…all ordained for me.” (Psalm 139:16) Living It Out Today • Feed faith with Scripture before crises arise; truth rehearsed becomes courage displayed. • Acknowledge danger without surrendering to fear—imitate Paul’s steady actions. • Speak of God’s sovereignty to others; testimony strengthens the whole church. • Expect the unexpected; divine deliverance may come through miracles, medicine, or martyrdom, yet always under the same sovereign decree. |
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