The Book of Acts, which is also referred to as “The Acts of the Apostles” serves as a powerful model for the modern-day body of Christ.
In chapter nine there is a story about a man named Saul who was a fierce persecutor of Jesus’ followers until one day he had a divine encounter that radically transformed his life.
The LORD assigned him to be an apostle, with a powerful ministry of miracles, signs, and wonders. He also brought many people to salvation.
He suffered intense persecution himself after his conversion, but he seemed to draw strength and get fueled by the adversity, allowing it to fuel his ministry.
He not only spoke persuasive words but he demonstrated the power of The Holy Spirit.
His anointing was so powerful that throughout his ministry kerchiefs and aprons were brought from his body to the sick, healing diseases and casting out evil spirits.
On one occasion, while Paul was preaching during a late-night communion service, there was a man named Eutychus seated in a third-story window who fell asleep and fell out of the window to his death.
Paul went down to him and told the people not to worry and miraculously raised Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:7-12)
Another time Paul was on the island of Malta, on a chilly and rainy day. Paul gathered up some sticks to help build a warm fire.
As he worked, a viper came out of the flames and fastened itself to Paul’s hand but Paul shook the snake back into the fire and was not harmed.
The natives first thought that he was a murderer but then when they saw that he didn’t swell up and die, they thought he was a god.
Just as Paul’s encounter with that viper on Malta astonished the natives, I believe we will witness extraordinary phenomena that will astound the world.
We may face fierce attacks and venomous opposition, but we will emerge unscathed, just like Paul.
The deadly venom that was meant to destroy us will have no effect, and as people witness these miracles, they will also want to know your God and the source of your strength.
Just as physical vipers inject deadly venom, spiritual vipers spew out toxic thoughts of doubt and fear and ungodly imaginations.
But when you stand firm against them they will leave. Just as Paul shook off that venomous snake before it attempted to take his life, you too must shake off that serpent that tries to latch itself to your mind.
Shake off the vipers and vicious forces that come to steal, kill, and destroy your destiny.
Resist the enemy and he will flee. There’s a lot of spiritual warfare in the world right now and many believers are experiencing fierce personal struggles.
Some of you may have tried to build a fire to make a burnt offering before The LORD, but you found that there are snakes hidden in the fire that are attempting to snare you.
You may have a scar from a snake bite, but that scar is going to be a sign of your victory.
You will become “a sign and a wonder” to many people, inspiring awe and amazement in those around you.
There are going to be many testimonies and others will be set free because of those of you who were steadfast and resisted the attacks of the enemy.
Even though we are in a tumultuous season, we are going to see that those who know their God will be strong and do great exploits.
“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. 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.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.”” Acts 28:3-5.
“So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony. Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting,” James 4:7-8 (TPT).
“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:2-4 .
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on A Word in Season
Featured Image by Endang Sahadi from Pixabay
