Daily Devotional for Thursday, May 25

Paul Heals Publius’ People

“So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary,” Acts 28:9, 10.

One of the many jobs I held while living in our village was nursing. I have no medical training, but common medicines for pain relief and malaria and a basic knowledge of first aid and poison control saved more than one life. There was no other medical care, and the people knew they could turn to us for help, and we would do what we could. God used it repeatedly, almost daily, to show His care for the people. We had opportunities to pray with hundreds of people and ask for healing simply because we had supplies, a little knowledge and Jesus.
Several times, actual medical professionals visited us, and we held clinics in the villages. When we announced it, they came from everywhere, even a village requiring a two-day hike, to be treated. In Jesus’ name and with supplies He provided, we checked temperatures and blood, cleaned and wrapped wounds, administered medications and then prayed for healing for each one. That simple care opened the hearts of the people to us and the gospel we brought.
While Paul was in Malta, he did the same. After Jesus healed Publius’ father, people all over the island came for healing. Paul prayed for each one, and Jesus answered. God became known to that island! The people responded with honor and gifts.
Sick and hurting people are fearful and looking for solutions. Jesus is their answer. He is the Great Physician. Our Macedonian Medical (MacMed) Ministry teams go all over the world to serve the sick, injured and hurting. They have amazing stories of God’s faithfulness, timing and power among people searching for truth. Pray for them and consider joining them on a trip.

THOUGHT: “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:2).

Kelli Reynolds