Kindling Faith Amid Adversity
In Acts 28, we see a powerful example of faith and perseverance through the Apostle Paul. Shipwrecked on the island of Malta, after surviving a storm and being taken as a prisoner on his way to Rome, Paul’s first instinct is to gather wood and build a fire.
“Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.”(Acts 28:1-3)
Building a Fire in the Midst of Trials
Amid adverse circumstances, when things had gone completely awry, Paul knew the importance of kindling a fire—of building an altar and sustaining the flames of faith. He didn’t complain or cower in the corner, despite his situation. Instead, he took action and ignited the fire.
The Fire Exposes the Enemy
Jesus knew this, which is why He assured them that they wouldn’t be left to face this mission alone. He promised
This fire was no ordinary fire. It was a symbol of God’s presence, power, and the faith that sustained Paul. It’s important to notice that the fire drew out the viper. The enemy cannot stand the fire of God in your life. Just as the heat exposed the snake, the fire of God’s presence exposes the works of the enemy.
Many of us spend our time searching for demons, trying to fight battles in our strength. But what if we focused on building the fire instead? The minute Jesus walked into a room, His presence alone was enough to make demons tremble and expose themselves. In the same way, the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives will draw out and destroy the enemy’s attempts to harm us.
Fire Destroys the Viper
When the viper latched onto Paul, he didn’t panic or fear. He simply shook it off into the fire, where it was consumed and eliminated. This act was not just physical; it was spiritual.
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)
God has given each of us the power to cast off the vipers that attack us. It should be as simple as Paul’s response—shake it off and let the fire of God consume it. We are reminded in Hebrews 12:1-2 to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Challenge Question:
- Are you building the fire of God’s presence in your life, or are you focused on battling the enemy in your strength? How can you shift your focus to stoking the flames of faith?
- When vipers of fear, doubt, or sin latch onto you, do you panic or shake them off into the fire? What can you do to strengthen your response to spiritual attacks?
- Are you living in the power and authority that Jesus promised to His followers? How can you more fully embrace the signs that should follow those who believe?
Let’s Pray
Father, we thank You for the example of Paul and the fire of faith that sustained him even in the midst of trials. Help us to kindle that same fire in our own lives, knowing that Your presence exposes and destroys the enemy’s schemes. Teach us to shake off the vipers that try to latch onto us and to walk in the authority You have given us as believers. May we focus on Your power and presence, trusting that as we draw near to You, the enemy will flee. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
