Introduction

One of the things I really love about the Bible is when it gives us a deep look into the lives of its characters. One person who captures my attention is the Apostle Paul. Today, we will take a peek into his life and discover some valuable lessons.

Paul's Resilience

In this passage, Paul is on a ship as a prisoner, being transported to Rome for trial. The ship is destroyed, but Paul's actions save everyone on board. They swim or float to land, and that's where our text begins.

Acts 28:3-5 (NIV):

"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, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.' But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects."

This incident encapsulates Paul's life. Despite facing challenges, he remains resilient and continues his work for God. Even when bitten by a venomous snake, Paul simply shakes it off and carries on.

Spiritual Warfare

Paul's life was marked by intense spiritual warfare. He endured persecutions, afflictions, beatings, imprisonments, and even shipwrecks. Yet, through it all, he declares that the Lord delivered him from every trial.

2 Timothy 3:10-11 (NIV):

"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them."

Paul's experiences were not mere complaints or whining. Instead, they reveal his strength, boldness, and courage. He was a warrior, unafraid of spiritual battles. Paul understood the reality of spiritual warfare and the relentless attacks of the enemy. He urged believers to be prepared and never underestimate the devil and his kingdom.

Soldiers of Christ

In Ephesians 6, Paul emphasizes the importance of wearing the armor of God and using the weapons of our spiritual warfare. He encourages us to adopt a soldier's mentality, ready to fight the good fight.

In 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV), Paul instructs Timothy:

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer."

Paul reminds us that God's army needs faithful men and women—loyal, trustworthy, and committed individuals. He urges us to pass on what we have learned to others who will continue the work. Paul emphasizes that soldiers must endure hardships and avoid getting entangled in worldly affairs to please their commanding officer.

Running the Race

Paul's commitment to excellence is evident in his words to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV):

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Paul compares the Christian life to a race, urging believers to strive for excellence. He emphasizes the need for discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. Paul's determination to win the spiritual race is evident in his commitment to self-control and self-discipline.

Conclusion

Throughout his life, Paul faced countless challenges and attacks. However, he never allowed these trials to defeat him. Instead, he declared that the Lord delivered him from them all.

Like Paul, we have faced disappointments, hurts, and frustrations. We may have felt like giving up or felt the weight of the enemy's attacks. But we must remember that we are still here, still standing.

Let's give praise to the Lord for His faithfulness. Even if we haven't endured the same trials as Paul, we have our own reasons to rejoice. We are still here, still standing.

Millions have faced the COVID-19 pandemic, and many have lost their lives. Yet, here we are, still standing.

We may have experienced betrayal, financial struggles, health battles, or personal attacks. But we are still here, still standing.

We may have been bitten by the venomous snakes of jealousy or adversity, but we have shaken them off. We are still standing.

Let's take a moment to praise God for His faithfulness and provision. Let's testify to one another that we have been through tough times, but we are still standing.

I believe that a shift is happening right now. Chains are breaking, disappointments are being lifted, and a fresh fire is igniting within us. God is restoring our fighting spirit and renewing our determination.

So, let's declare it one more time to the devil: "I'm still standing!"

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