“1 Once ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The local people showed us extraordinary kindness, for they lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold. 3 As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself to his hand. 4 When the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘This man is probably a murderer, and though he has escaped the sea, Justice does not allow him to live!’ 5 However, he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They expected that he would swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

7 Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 Publiuss father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him. 9 After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 So they heaped many honors on us, and when we sailed, they gave us what we needed.”

Acts 28:1-10

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Whether or not we seek this out, every moment we live can be used as an opportunity for ministry. When we go through stressful times, serving other people can often be the release valve that we need in order to process what we’ve been through and to keep things in perspective. Serving others is a marvelous way to focus on what really matters, and it keeps us from having a ‘pity party’ and focusing on our own apparent misfortune. 

Paul had every right to feel sullen, worn out and dejected. Shipwrecks will do that to a person. But instead, we find Paul behaving confidently before and after this event. He puts his hands to work (maybe by the orders of the guards, maybe not) he chooses not to make a big deal out of the snake bite situation, and then once the essential work is done, he goes right back to working his call. 

It is very easy to get hung up in the tasks of the day and, in turn, leave ministry aside. Maybe a busy schedule gives us an excuse that we buy into. Maybe a difficult situation presents itself, and we use that as our reasoning for not pouring into others as Christ’s Holy Spirit has gifted us. Whatever the reason, human beings tend to use whatever excuses our flesh will offer in order to shirk off the more essential things, as it suits us. But to follow the example of Christ, we find that, even in the middle of a situation where we may be suffering or dealing with hardship, those moments even are primed and ready to minister to others. Jesus ministered to Mary, His mother, as He hung on the cross. 

John 19:25-27 – “25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mothers sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ 27 Then He said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.”

Serving others is our release from distress, sorrow and disappointment. This is how we GoLove in Jesus’ Name, following His example, even in suffering. Ministry heals both the minister and the one being minsitered to, and rather htan withdraw in difficult times, we should embrace ministry as a part of our healing. In serving others, we are ministered to as well.