It Should Have Killed Me, But I'm Still Here
“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.” — Acts 28:3 (NKJV)
“The enemy may have struck you, but he does not get to decide your ending.” - PG
There are some things in life that should have taken you out. Some situations that hit so hard you wondered how you would ever recover. But here you are. Still standing. Still believing. Still moving forward.
Acts 28 tells the story of Paul surviving a shipwreck, only to be bitten by a poisonous snake after reaching shore. He had already survived the storm, but another attack came when he was simply gathering sticks for a fire.
What Happens When the Attack Comes Unexpectedly?
Sometimes the attack comes when you are simply trying to move forward. You are rebuilding, serving, raising your family, and doing what God called you to do. Then something unexpected attaches itself to your life.
The enemy wants to interrupt your progress and distract you from your purpose. But an attack does not mean your assignment is over.
How Should We Respond to the Attack?
When the snake fastened onto Paul's hand, he did something powerful.
“Then he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.” — Acts 28:5 (NKJV)
Paul didn't allow the snake to stop him. He shook it off and kept moving.
There are things you have carried long enough. Fear, rejection, bitterness, and discouragement do not deserve permanent residence in your life. Stop giving yesterday's attack authority over tomorrow's purpose.
Who Has the Final Authority?
Jesus said in Luke 10:19 that He has given believers authority over all the power of the enemy. Our confidence is not in our own strength but in the authority of Jesus Christ.
This does not mean we will never face hardship. It means hardship does not get the final word. The enemy may have power, but Jesus has ultimate authority.
What Is the Enemy Trying to Steal?
If the enemy cannot stop your calling, he will try to discourage your obedience. He wants you focused on what happened instead of what God is still doing.
The people watching Paul assumed the snakebite meant he was guilty of something. They judged his situation without knowing his story.
Do not allow people who witnessed your struggle to define your identity. God knows what He has brought you through.
Why Are You Still Here?
Your survival is not simply a testimony of how strong you are. It is a testimony of how faithful God has been.
You may have been wounded, but you are not defeated. You may have been attacked, but you are not abandoned. The same God who carried you through yesterday is still holding your future.
“The attack may have interrupted your progress, but it does not have to determine your direction.” - PG
Keep building. Keep believing. Keep worshiping. It should have killed you, but you're still here. And God isn't finished with your story!
Live It Out Loud:
Your past attacks do not have to control your future. Here are seven practical ways to live this out:
Start Your Day With Worship. Listen to "See a Victory" - By Elevation Worship and remind yourself that the battle belongs to the Lord.
Shake Off the Past. Identify something you have been carrying that is keeping you from moving forward. Surrender it to God.
Remember God's Faithfulness. Write down three things God has already brought you through. Let those testimonies strengthen your faith.
Guard Your Identity. Stop allowing other people's opinions to define who you are. Let God's Word speak louder.
Walk in His Authority. Read Luke 10:19 and remind yourself that your confidence comes from Jesus, not your own strength.
Keep Building. Don't allow a past disappointment or unexpected attack to stop you from doing what God has called you to do.
Share Your Testimony. Encourage someone who is facing a difficult season by reminding them of God's faithfulness.
My Prayer
Lord, thank You for carrying me through the things I thought would destroy me. Help me shake off the fear, bitterness, and discouragement that have tried to attach themselves to my life. Remind me that my identity is found in You and that no attack is greater than Your authority. Give me the strength to keep believing, keep building, and keep walking in the purpose You have placed before me. Let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“May the LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times more numerous than you are, and bless you as He has promised you!” — Deuteronomy 1:11 (NKJV)
Marked By His Presence,
PG
