The Almighty has graciously given Truth seekers His instructions for living in writing in order to prevent them from being ruled by their emotions which are often based on the “truths” they hear coming from Satan’s pulpits and podiums. As I have said many times, for those who seek spiritual truth, everything comes back to God’s Word–God’s Truth (Jn. 17:17). Recall that when Jesus was involved in the epic battle with Satan following His 40-day fast His only weapon was “It is written, ….” He did not pull rank on the devil by reminding him of Who He was. Jesus did not remind him of the outcome of his sins, which they both knew. He simply said “It is written,” then quoted the appropriate passage from the Old Testament. It was not Jesus the man from Galilee that defeated Satan that day, it was Jesus of Galilee speaking and believing His Father’s Words that sent His adversary away in defeat. Regardless of the situation, whether positive or negative, the saint’s tried and true response is the Word of the living God. Knowing, believing and obeying God’s Truth is not the saint’s weapon of last resort, it is his only weapon. The Apostle Paul serves as our present example of grace under fire in the spiritual realm.

In the 28th chapter of the Book of Acts we find Paul, having survived a shipwreck caused by a winter storm, stranded on the tiny island of Melita. The heathen who inhabited the island had welcomed the cold, wet survivors and had built a large fire for them. Wanting to do his part, Paul had gathered some sticks and was about to throw them on the fire when he found himself looking at a deadly viper that had sunk its fangs into his hand. The snake being of a deadly variety, the islanders watched Paul closely, expecting him to die immediately. But the apostle, knowing that God was in charge, shook off the serpent and went on about his business. Paul knew about such serpents; he knew that the creature was  deadly. In some areas of the world today there are serpents called “two step” vipers because, once bitten, one can take only a couple of  steps before death strikes. This snake was of that variety. Everyone except Paul expected the worst.

Though given the proverbial death sentence, Paul did not fear, knowing that he was on a mission to Rome. Nothing–not a shipwreck at sea, not the bite of a deadly serpent–could prevent him from going through the “door of opportunity” the Lord had opened for him. Like Daniel facing the lions and the Hebrew boys facing the fire, Paul knew that he was in the will of God and that nothing could happen to him that was not in that will. How did they know this? BECAUSE GOD HAD SAID SO. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 give His faithful servants that assurance today. But belief in and obedience to God’s Word are required for His Words to work in our lives. Traditional religiosity as practiced by those within the Catholic/Protestant system will not get the job done.

In the eyes of the world, including the church world, things could not have been worse. But Paul did not see things the way religious man sees them. He knew that the wreck and the snake attack were all part of a plan to introduce the islanders to his Messiah. Recall that, prior to their leaving for Rome, he had warned his guard that the ship would be destroyed at sea. As a result of the snake bite miracle, Paul was taken to the tribal chief’s sick father who, following Paul’s prayer, was healed of his infirmity.

Most men would view Paul’s circumstances as punishment from God. But Paul knew who and what he was and where he stood with the Lord. He did not allow emotion, doubt or second-guessing to creep in and disrupt his walk with his heavenly Father. After all, he had been down this road many times before.

In 2 Corinthians 6:5-10;11:23-27 we find him telling the church in Corinth about the “infirmities” he had endured as a result of his walk with the Lord. Over the years he had endured afflictions, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, etc. Five times he was beaten with 39 stripes (40 stripes was thought to kill a man); 3 times he was beaten with rods; once he was stoned and left for dead; 3 times he was adrift in the sea; often he was “in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren, in weariness and painfulness, in watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings, in cold and nakedness.” If anyone had cause to panic it was the Apostle Paul. But not once did he allow his emotions to affect him. Even unto death his Lord was in control of his life. Would that we all react as did this mountain of a man upon whose shoulders stand all who serve the Lord in Truth. We do not know how many times he thought about God’s Words while being beaten, while chained inside a dungeon, while hungry, tired, wet, etc. But he never allowed his emotions to affect his thoughts and actions. As a result he will spend eternity with his Savior. Let us emulate this spiritual giant so that we can join him. L.J.