after we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called malta. the native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. [acts 28:1-2]
now safe on land, having proven the promise of God that no lives would be lost, luke makes a small observation. the kindness shown to them by the natives of malta is unusual. what he must have expected was a native people afraid, threatened, and hostile toward the visitors. but God is paving the way still for their journey to rome, strategically placing the puzzle pieces where they should go, including this warm welcome and warm fire of complete strangers.
i don’t often stop and think about things that are unusual or unexpected blessings. i definitely don’t stop to write down these surprising details, waiting to see how they fit into a bigger picture of God’s sovereign plan. sometimes i even forget that God is working at all.
but God is always working. sometimes he makes it plain to our eyes. sometimes it is part of the mystery of his ways. but he is always working.
i lift up my eyes to the hills.
from where does my help come?
my help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
he will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
behold, he who keeps israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
the Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
the sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
the Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
the Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore. [psalm 121]
Lord, help me see you in the little things. open my eyes to see your great works that you put daily in front of my face. help me to see you in the ordinary and the extraordinary. i trust that you are working. please, show me your glory!
~arwen eastman