09/12/2021 - THE LORD’S PERFECT PLAN

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In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28.7

Don’t have doubts in your heart. God is good at all times. He is what the Word declares and will never be surprised to give a needed answer. By having foreknowledge, the Most High knows everything that is about to happen, to any of His children and gives them knowledge to be overcomers.

That shipwreck had to happen in order for the inhabitants of that Mediterranean island to hear the Good News that the whole world needs to hear. The fact that they were shipwrecked off the coast of Malta proves that this region had been chosen by the Lord to receive His servant, who went from being a persecutor of Christians to being persecuted. Paul was used by God everywhere, but he paid a high price to do the work destined for him.

Publius didn’t know how much God loved him, until he welcomed the castaways into his home. This proves that he was sensitive to the Lord´s voice. There, Paul heard that the father of the leader of the island was sick, so he offered to pray on his behalf. It was the door opened by God for the apostle to reach the others in that place. Through us, the lost are blessed and protected. The true servant learns that God knows how to be the good Shepherd of His own!

It was no coincidence that guided the ship’s captain to meet both seas, but the divine hand. The accident occurred very close to the estates of the chief of the island, who received them graciously. This proves that, as long as the Lord guides our steps, we should not try to understand what happens during the journey. Whoever serves God should always be in a good mood.

The castaways were invited to stay at Publius´s house and stayed there for three days. How was the apostle Paul treated? Since he served the Good Shepherd, he would lack nothing: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23.1). The child of God does not have to complain about his fate, for the Almighty´s plans are better than any good thing anyone could wish for. They are eternal!

When God is in control and we obey His directions, everything that happens to us is the best for our growth:  and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it (Mark 11.2). Certainly, there will be blessings that we will not be able to take if we are unprepared for them (John 16.12).

Let the Lord’s hand guide you, and all good will come to you and yours. Nothing goes wrong when God plans and executes the plan. With Him, no one will be at the mercy of the destroyer, but will be equipped with power to break down even gates of bronze (Psalm 107.15,16)!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares