Friday, June 16
Do what you can
Scripture: Acts 28
Acts 28:3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand.
Acts 28:8 The father of Publius lay sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and after praying, placed his hands on him and healed him.
Acts 28:10 They also bestowed many honors, and when we were preparing to sail, they gave us all the supplies we needed.
Observation
Paul, a prisoner for Christ, was shipwrecked on an island. What did he do?
First, he gathered firewood. He served others in a simple, humble, practical way. He pitched in and helped.
Second, he prayed for sick people and healed them. I think it’s fair to assume that he shared the gospel with them as he did this. He gave what he had (Acts 3:6).
The result: many people were healed (and saved) and they were sent on to Rome with “many honors.”
Application
Humility comes before honor. Humbly do what you can and give what you have.
Paul is one of my heroes of the faith. He is a great man in my estimation—a giant in the faith. So to see him picking up sticks for a fire, or quietly praying for a sick father, reminded me of Jesus’ words that greatness isn’t measured by position or power or fame, but by humble service.
Do what you can. Give what you have. Leave the results to God.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. I admire Paul even more seeing the great man humbly serve. Help me do the same today.
More: 2 Kings 17-18, Proverbs 14, 1 Thessalonians 4