Expect the Unexpected

SCRIPTURE

Acts 28:6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 ¶ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
Acts 28:8 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.

OBSERVATION

In Acts 27 Paul and others were on a ship which encountered a tremendous storm. It was so severe that the ship experienced extensive damage and had run ashore. Those onboard found them selves on an island called Malta. It wasn’t a planned destination, it wasn’t on the itinerary and it wasn’t a desirable place to be.

That’s what caught my attention as I read this text. Even though Paul had not planned this part of the journey, he was used by God to touch the lives of people he would only see one time in his life.

How often I find myself in situations and places that I have not chosen. I fail to realize that possibly this is not a detour I must endure but a divine appointment God has scheduled. Could it be that the interruptions, inconveniences and intrusions into our lives are really an opportunity for God to reveal himself through us.

APPLICATION

Today I am going to look for opportunities where God can use me. I am not going to seek deliverance from my current location and circumstnces but I will ask God to deliver his wisdom, kindness, assistance and love to those I encounter.

PRAYER

Lord forgive me for resisting and resenting the places you position me for your glory. I am blind to your ability to work in all places. I have missed so many opportunities to see you work in various places because of my complaining spirit. Please forgive me but also change me. Give me a heart that wants to go where you want me to go - say what you want me to say and do what you want me to do.