Shake it off

 

flames

The Bible, in Acts 28 mentions the story of Paul at the island of Malta. The story goes that Paul and the others on the ship stumbled upon this island after the shipwreck. The native people showed them kindness and lit a fire since it was cold and began to rain. Paul gathered a bundle of sticks for the fire and to everyone’s surprise; a viper crawled out and latched on to his hand. While the crowd expected Paul to drop dead, he simply shook off the snake into the fire and walked away unharmed. Here’s what I learnt:

1.     Vipers come out when there is heat. Vipers signify sin (devil) /struggles. Heat signifies friction. When life goes smooth, vipers stay hidden. A little friction is always necessary, because it brings out hidden serpents. Although, fiery times may not seem positive, it could be what drives out hidden sins, agendas and motives in your life, church or organization.

2. Vipers attack agents of change: Paul was an agent of change. A true leader. He took initiative to fan the flame. While the others focused on keeping themselves warm, Paul’s focus was the community. He collected wood for the communal fire. If you are an agent of change, expect attacks. But here is the good part: as a follower of Christ, He has given us this promise in Luke 10:19 “ I have given you power to walk on snakes and scorpions, power that is greater than the enemy has. So nothing will hurt you.”

3. Paul realized that truth and shook off the creature into the fire. There is no telling how many storm and shipwreck survivors were destroyed by this insignificant serpent.  As an agent of change, Paul ensured that this would never happen again.

4. V.6- Shaking off the serpent places you in a position of authority. When the people witnessed Paul’s survival, they “changed their minds and thought he was a god”

Your fiery situation might bring out hidden vipers. I’m not sure what viper strangles the life out of you, but realize this: You have the God-given authority to shake it off. Once you shake it off, you assume the responsibility of rescuing others. Shaking off the chokehold places you in a position of authority. Kingdom Authority. Be blessed.

  1. dennisvarghese posted this