Shake It Off and Move Forward
Shaking Off Life’s Challenges
Friends, today I want to talk to you about the challenges we face—those unexpected trials, disappointments, and setbacks that seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe it’s a sudden health issue, a financial challenge, a relationship that fell apart, or a door that closed unexpectedly. It can feel like we’re just trying to catch our breath from one setback when another suddenly comes. In these moments, it’s easy to get discouraged, feel overwhelmed, and wonder if God is in control.
But I want to remind you today that God is still on the throne and has a plan for you. Just like the apostle Paul in the Bible, who faced one challenge after another, God is working behind the scenes for your good. In Acts 28:5, we read about how Paul survived a shipwreck and ended up on the island of Malta. While there, he was bitten by a poisonous snake. Everyone around him thought it was over for Paul, but instead, he shook off the snake into the fire and went on his way—unharmed.
You see, Paul had a promise from God that he would make it to Rome and stand before Caesar, which gave him confidence. It didn’t matter what came against him—whether it was a storm, a shipwreck, or a snakebite—Paul knew that nothing could stop God’s purpose for his life. Today, I want to encourage you to shake off whatever is trying to stop you and keep moving forward, trusting that God has a plan for your life.
Shaking Off the Unexpected
Life is full of unexpected challenges. Just like Paul, you might be dealing with something that surprised you—a bad medical report, a financial loss, or a relationship that suddenly turned sour. It’s easy to get discouraged and to wonder why these things happen. But just like Paul, we need to learn how to shake off life’s unexpected challenges. When the poisonous snake bit Paul, he didn’t panic; he didn’t overreact; he shook it off into the fire and went on his way.
Acts 28:5 says, “But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed.” Friends, God is reminding us today that He has given us the strength to shake off whatever is trying to harm us. You need to shake it off, whether it’s a physical challenge, an emotional wound, or a setback trying to stop you. Don’t let it hold you back. God is still in control and has already equipped you to overcome whatever you face.
Prayer Break: Heavenly Father, we come to You today and ask for Your strength to overcome the challenges that come our way. Lord, help us not be overwhelmed by the unexpected, but put our trust in You. Thank You for being our refuge and our strength, even in the midst of trials. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Trusting in God’s Promises Over Circumstances
Paul could shake off the snakebite because he had a promise from God. God had told Paul that he would make it to Rome and stand before Caesar, and Paul knew that no storm, no shipwreck, and no snakebite could keep him from fulfilling God’s purpose. Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” That means whatever comes against you or tries to harm you cannot succeed because God’s purpose for your life will prevail.
Friends, the same God who promised to be with Paul has promised to be with you. You may be facing an impossible situation, but I want you to remember that God’s promises are more significant than your circumstances. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” When you face challenges, remind yourself of God’s promises. Stand on His Word and trust that He will see you through. He has a plan for you, and His promises will not fail.
Don’t Let Fear Take Over
From a human point of view, Paul should have been afraid. The people around him expected him to swell up or drop dead after being bitten by the snake. But Paul didn’t let fear take over. He knew his life was in God’s hands, which gave him confidence. Psalm 91:7 tells us, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest tools to keep us from moving forward, but we have a choice. We can let fear paralyze us or shake it off and trust that God is our protector.
When you face challenges, fear will try to whisper, “This is the end. You’re not going to make it.” But God says, “You are in the palms of My hands. Nothing can snatch you away.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you and uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Like Paul, you can shake off the fear, knowing nothing can distract you from God’s hand.
Prayer Break: Lord, thank You for being our protector and refuge. When fear takes hold, help us remember that You are more significant than anything we face. Strengthen our hearts, and remind us that You are always with us, guiding and keeping us safe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Faith Over Logic
One of the reasons Paul remained calm in the face of danger was that he didn’t rely on human logic—he relied on his faith. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Friends, when we try to understand every detail of our lives and overanalyze our problems, it can hinder our faith. Faith is not of the mind; it is of the heart. When the snake bit Paul, he could have let his logical mind take over and panicked. Instead, he trusted what God had spoken about in his life.
Yes, we should use common sense, and yes, we should make good decisions. But we must not let our logic talk us out of what God has put in our hearts. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is about trusting God even when we don’t understand. Sometimes, we have to turn off our minds and choose to believe that God’s promises are true. Trust that He is working behind the scenes and that His ways are higher than ours.
The Power of Shaking Off Offenses
Sometimes, we must shake off not just physical challenges but emotional wounds and offenses. People may say unfair things, or someone might treat you poorly. It’s easy to hold on to those hurts, to let them take root in your heart. But just like Paul shook off the snake, we need to learn how to shake off offenses and keep our hearts pure. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Holding on to offenses and bitterness will only weigh us down and keep us from experiencing the fullness of what God has for us. Friends choose to shake off the offense. Let it go. You are not defined by what people say about you but by what God says about you. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When you shake off the offenses, you allow God’s grace and peace to fill your heart.
Prayer Break: Heavenly Father, help us to release any offenses and bitterness that may be weighing us down. Teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Let Your grace fill our hearts, and may we walk in Your love and kindness toward others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Keep Your Eyes on Your Purpose
Paul could shake off the snake because he kept his eyes on his purpose. He knew that God had a plan for him, and he wasn’t about to let anything distract him from fulfilling that plan. Friends, you have a purpose too. God has placed dreams, goals, and desires in your heart, and challenges will come along to try to stop you. There will be obstacles, disappointments, and setbacks, but you must focus on your purpose.
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Just like Paul, you need to press on. Don’t let the setbacks stop you. Keep your eyes on the goal, and keep moving forward. God has a purpose for your life and will give you the strength to overcome whatever comes against you. Remember that you are not alone—God is with you, guiding you every step of the way.
Trusting God in the Midst of Trials
The key to overcoming life’s challenges is to trust that God is in control. Paul could shake off the snake because he trusted God’s promise to get him to Rome. You may face a trial today, and it may feel like all hope is lost, but let me remind you that God is still on the throne. He’s still ordering your steps, and He’s still working behind the scenes for your good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
No matter what you’re facing today—whether it’s a health issue, a financial challenge, or a relationship problem—put it in God’s hands. Trust that He knows what He’s doing and can work it out for your good. Shake off the fear and discouragement, and keep moving forward. God has a purpose for your life; nothing can stop Him from bringing it to pass.
Let Us Pray
Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness in every season of our lives. Help us to trust You completely, even when we don’t understand what is happening. We know that You are working all things together for our good, and we place our hope in You. Give us the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that Your plans for us are good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I Feel We Say The Following Prayer Together
Father, thank You that no matter the problem or obstacle, it will not stop Your purpose for my life. Thank you for not limiting me to my understanding or abilities. I trust that You are ordering my steps and have a plan far more significant than anything I can imagine. You always have the final say, and your promise is coming. Help me to continue to put everything in Your hands, to walk in faith, and to shake off anything that tries to hinder me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Have a great week!