Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
-Acts 28:1-10
Wherever the Apostle Paul went, he carried with him the power of God. He was a conduit for God’s healing power and love. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, the same is true for us. Because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us we have the opportunity to bring the power of God wherever we go.
For those of you in high school, you’re bringing God’s power into the high school where you have the opportunity to help change the lives of your friends. If you’re in college, same thing. If you’re working, same thing. Whatever life stage you’re in and whoever you are, you have the ability to use God’s power within you to help others.
Are you a conduit for God’s power and love? How are you loving the people around you?
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