September 8, 2008

• GATHERING STICKS

  "Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
  
  The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and
  
  welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 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. 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, Justice has not
  
  allowed him to live." But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and
  
  suffered no ill effects. 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. (Acts 28:1-6 NIV)
  
  
  There is more to the story than Paul's miraculous immunity to a
  
  venomous snakebite. This great apostle to the Gentiles, preacher to
  
  thousands, worker of miracles, and writer of much of the New
  
  Testament, was stuck on an island as a prisoner. Did he lie back and
  
  bemoan his condition? Did he think he should be treated better than
  
  others because he was an apostle? No! The Scriptures tell us that he
  
  chose to contribute to the work and needs of his fellowmen. It was
  
  cold and rainy, so Paul gathered a bundle of sticks for a much-
  
  needed, warming fire (v.3).
  
  
  It's so natural as we deal with pain and illness and all the related
  
  stresses to begin to feel that we have nothing to offer. We often
  
  bemoan our condition and this can lead to depression and a sense of
  
  hopelessness. Perhaps if we can find some small way to contribute to
  
  the welfare of others, even as we deal with pain, we will know a joy
  
  that can only come from serving God and reaching out to His children.
  
  It's amazing how a few words of appreciation, a note of thanks or a
  
  simple honest compliment can brighten the lives of others.
  
  
  Many of us have reached a time in our lives when vigorous activity is
  
  no longer possible. We must not despair but rather remember Paul's
  
  example, and do what we can do—even if it is simply "gathering
  
  sticks." We must start where we are in life and as we serve Him, we
  
  can claim His sure promise and trust in His Word. All God asks of
  
  us is to do what we can do and then He will use our efforts to
  
  further His plan. It is so true that God never puts us in the wrong
  
  place to serve Him.
  
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  ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  
  Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with her
  
  husband, Richard. She is a retired elementary school. Patricia
  
  enjoys finding ways to serve God and help His children and gives
  
  thanks and praise to the Lord for His many blessings. Patricia deals
  
  with chronic pain due to a nerve disorder but trusts that God can use
  
  all things for good for those who love him and are called according
  
  to His plan.
  

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