Finding Strength In God’s Presence
Finding Strength in God’s Presence
Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes it feels like the storms just keep coming. But as Christians, we have the assurance that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us to face every challenge. The story of Paul’s shipwreck and encounter with a viper on the island of Malta is a powerful example of faith and resilience.
In Acts 28:1-6, we read about Paul’s experience on the island of Malta. After surviving a shipwreck, Paul was gathering sticks for a fire when a viper came out and fastened itself onto his hand. The people of the island saw the viper and expected Paul to die. But Paul shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm. This miracle was a testament to the power of faith and the presence of God in Paul’s life.
As we face challenges in our own lives, we can draw strength from Paul’s example. When Paul was called to preach the Gospel, he knew that he would face many challenges. But he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, and he continued to preach the Gospel despite the obstacles he faced (Acts 26:14-19).
Paul’s experience reminds us that God’s purpose and design for our lives are not determined by our circumstances, but by His sovereign will.
In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul writes, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” This passage reminds us that even in the midst of challenges, God is with us, guiding and strengthening us. We may face troubles and persecutions, but we are not alone. God is with us, and He will give us the strength we need to overcome every obstacle.
As we navigate the storms of life, it’s essential to stay focused on God’s purpose and design for our lives. When we trust in God’s strength and power, we can face every challenge with confidence and courage. We don’t have to be controlled by fear or anxiety, because we know that God is with us, guiding and directing us.
So how can we “dance in the storm”? We can start by trusting in God’s strength and power, rather than our own abilities. We can stay focused on God’s purpose and design for our lives, knowing that He has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). We can also draw strength from the testimonies of others who have faced similar challenges and come out victorious.
As we face the storms of life, let’s remember that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us. Let’s trust in His strength and power, and stay focused on His purpose and design for our lives. Let’s “dance in the storm,” knowing that God is with us, and that He will give us the strength we need to overcome every obstacle.
