I Got Bit But This Is Not It

Acts 28:1-6

¹ Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. ² 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. ³ 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. ⁴ So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” ⁵ But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. ⁶ However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

It's not over until God says it's over. He has the last word. Remember that the battle is God's and not yours (2 Chron 20:15). This one is on God. You need to find something to do other than worry. It won't get you anywhere but an early grave. Replace it with a praise and a shout. Remember the message from last Tuesday "New Season". Thank God for your new season.

² 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.



Paul had a shipwreck. He kindled a fire because of the rain and cold. He went from one situation to favor with the men. When you go through the testing of your life you get the blessing of your life. Paul then experienced a bite. What are you going to do when you go through test to another lesson instead of blessing? He does that to give you double. Learn not to lose your praise.

You may have gone through test after test, trial after trial. You will have to pass your test before going to the next level. What are you going to do when the test gets greater? The devil couldn't get you when you lost (fill in the blank). He had to get a new tactic. This is not the time to let go. God's getting ready to do it for you. It won't be compared to the last time He blessed you.

³ 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. 

Paul got busy. Whenever you get busy that is when the devil comes. When you are not doing anything for the Kingdom the devil will not fight you. God has not brought you this far to fail you. The devil also comes when things are good. He comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10) and he wants to take you out. Paul was bit on the hand because God blesses the works of our hands but devil wants to curse it. The devil can't curse what God has blessed. You are blessed from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet.


Paul more than likely was not the only one who was gathering sticks to keep the fire going. Why was Paul bitten but no one else? Paul was able to survive what may have killed others or what may have caused others to leave God. The same goes for your trials. It was his grace and mercy that kept you in the test.

⁴ So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”

 Others saw Paul's test. What are you going to do when your hater's talk about you? Some will talk about your past mistakes and may say you are going through a trial because God is getting you back. remember that God has forgiven you. God has chosen you to go through your test.

2 Cor 5:17
¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ecc 7:20
²⁰ For there is not a just man on earth who does good
      And does not sin.

People may have tried to bring up your past but they don't understand that the same God that did a work in them did a work in you.




⁵ But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

Usually there is an after affect. When you get done with your test there will be no scars and you won't feel any harm.

⁶ However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.


Those who were around looked at Paul and thought he was going to die. Tell people to stop looking at you and tell them that they should be praying instead. How long are they going to look? Their eyes are not big enough for them to fathom what God is going to do.