Monday Memo 1266: The Storms Are Ragin' and the Snakes Are Bitin'
Paul knew he was eventually going to Rome to confront Caesar. The Lord had stood near him while he was imprisoned in Jerusalem and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). There wasn't much ambiguity in that statement. Rome was in Paul's future, and God had made that clear.
Knowing where he was going, however, didn't mean the journey would be easy. Paul eventually boarded a ship for Rome as a prisoner, and before long the voyage became a disaster. The authorities ignored Paul's warning about continuing the journey, a violent storm arose, the crew lost hope of surviving, and eventually the ship was destroyed. Paul finally made it safely to shore on the island of Malta, where he gathered some wood for a fire only to have a poisonous snake fasten itself onto his hand (see Acts 27-28).
The storms were ragin' and the snakes were bitin', but Paul was still going to Rome.
That's an important purpose lesson because we often interpret trouble as evidence that we have missed God. We assume that if God has directed us somewhere, the trip should go smoothly and the results should be spectacular. When opposition arises, money runs short, people disappoint us, plans fall apart, or life happens, we begin questioning what God told us in the first place.
Paul didn't have that luxury because God had already made the destination clear. The storm couldn't change what God had said, and neither could the snake. Paul had to interpret what was happening in light of what God had revealed rather than reinterpret God's revelation because of what was happening.
That's an important distinction. If God has made something clear to you, don't allow every difficulty to reopen the question of whether you heard Him correctly. Certainly we should remain humble and open to correction, but there comes a time when clarity must produce conviction. Otherwise, we'll spend our lives constantly reconsidering decisions God has already helped us make.
Something else happened during that storm that is worth noting. Paul began the voyage as a prisoner with no official authority, but as the crisis intensified, he emerged as the leader. He encouraged the passengers and crew, told them they would survive, urged them to eat, and gave practical instructions about what they should do. Eventually even the Roman centurion was listening to him.
That's what purpose does. You don't need a title to lead when you know why you're there. Paul couldn't control the ship or the storm, but he could bring wisdom, courage, faith, and direction into the situation. Purpose gave him something to contribute even when circumstances had taken away almost everything else.
Then Paul washed ashore on Malta, a place he had never intended to visit. He could have spent his time there frustrated because he was supposed to be going to Rome. Instead, he went to work. When the father of Publius, the chief official of the island, became sick, Paul prayed for him and he was healed. Others then came and were healed as well (Acts 28:7-9).
Malta wasn't Paul's destination, but it became part of his purpose journey. What looked like an interruption became an opportunity because Paul knew what he was about. He didn't need ideal circumstances or even the right location to be useful. Wherever he found himself, he looked for something he could do that was consistent with his purpose.
That's another lesson I've had to learn, even as I write. A painful knee has caused me to cancel my travel plans for a while, but while I'm treating my knee, my local church has asked us to lead a Wednesday night group. That wasn't on my radar, but the timing is unmistakable. Then I had a dream in which I was hosting a conference from and in my home with hundreds of people present. That reminded me that I can organize and minister to many from the comfort of my recliner, where I'm spending a lot of time these days immobilizing and nursing my leg.
Purpose gives you that kind of flexibility because you know the difference between your destination and your assignment today. Paul was headed for Rome, but while he was on Malta, Malta was his assignment. He didn't abandon Rome, but neither did he despise the unexpected opportunity in front of him. The nations are still my destination, but a local role is what God has for me now. I'm confident there is purpose and order to be found even in the disruption of my current situation.
Eventually Paul did reach Rome just as God had promised. The storm hadn't stopped him. The shipwreck hadn't stopped him. Malta hadn't stopped him. The snake hadn't stopped him. They had simply become part of the story of how he got where God said he was going.
Perhaps you're in a storm right now, or maybe a snake has just bitten you after you thought the worst was finally over. Don't automatically assume that trouble means you're going the wrong way. If God has given you clarity about your purpose, keep moving, keep serving, and keep looking for opportunities wherever the journey takes you.
The storms may be ragin' and the snakes may be bitin', but neither one has the authority to cancel what God has purposed for your life—unless you give it to them. Stay focused on what He has shown you, do what you can where you are, and trust Him to get you where you need to be.
Your Turn
What storm, delay, or unexpected problem has caused you to question something God previously made clear? Instead of focusing only on getting through it, what purpose opportunity might be available to you where you are right now?
What Would Paul Ask You?
Are you allowing today's storm to make you doubt the destination God has already made clear?
Purpose Moment
Thank God that difficult circumstances don't automatically mean you're outside His will. Ask Him for the courage to remain focused on your purpose and the wisdom to recognize opportunities to serve Him even in the storms, delays, and unexpected stops along the way.