Have you ever had a bad day that just kept getting worse?

Once a zealous protector of Jewish law and tradition, Paul had an encounter with Jesus Christ, who revealed Himself to be the Son of God, the Jewish Messiah, and the Savior of the world. Paul’s life was profoundly transformed, and, as a result, he testified boldly of Jesus. 

This is where Paul’s bad day begins…

• Paul’s words stir up an angry mob who try to kill him. 
• Paul is arrested to protect him from further harm. 
• Paul is treated unfairly and seeks a higher court of law. 
• Paul is transported in chains. 
• Paul senses and warns that the ship’s voyage will be disastrous, but no one listens. 
• Paul’s ship meets said disaster. 
• Paul and everyone on board barely escape the shipwreck alive. 
• Paul is finally on land…and the temperature drops and  it starts raining. 
• Paul warms himself by the fire…and a snake bites him. 

“When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.” Acts‬ ‭28:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

That brother was not having a good day! But I love what he does next – Paul literally  shook it off! (And, unknowingly, inspired a Taylor Swift song.) 

The snake and his bad day. He shook them right off into the fire and went on with life! 

He didn’t sit around the fire talking about his bad day, or how sharp the snake’s fangs were. He didn’t keep looking at (or licking) his wound. He didn’t sit down with someone to analyze why bad things seemed to be happening to him.

He shook it off!

I happen to believe in the benefit of seeking good counsel and sharing my burdens with others who can help me, but I also know my human tendency to whine and seek pity. Sometimes it’s good to remember that, although sometimes bad things happen, God is bigger than your bad day. 

Nothing is too difficult for God. He is a very present help in time of need! 

• In Joseph’s prison God was there. 
• In Job’s distress God was there. 
• In David’s cave God was there. 
• In Peter’s prison God was there. 
• In Paul’s shipwreck God was there. 
• And in my bad day God is there. 

When I forget God’s presence I am left to mourn the awfulness of life. But when I remember that He is always with me and never forsakes me, I always have hope. 

Father- thank you for being there. Every day with you is a good day.