It is written by THE SPIRIT in the Book of Acts in chapter 28:
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island (Malta), whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
From a practical standpoint, Paul impacted the whole island of Malta once he healed Publius’ father. The influential need healing just like the rest of us and when one of them are healed the news spreads quickly and many others come forth. The credibility of Paul’s ministry was soon known throughout the island. Their support for Paul increased notably since his message was one based on Truth and confirmed by healing miracles.
We are not to go looking for the affluent but instead be led by FATHER to those HE places before us. It is up to HIM to make any connections necessary to spread the Gospel, not us. This is why I keep emphasizing to be led by THE SPIRIT in all matters. Sometimes we may deal with perilous events to get us in position to minister and in those situations we must trust FATHER to protect and sustain us. The previous chapter gives us a detailed example of being spared:
41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape.
43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land,
44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
All 276 souls were spared when Paul was shipwrecked off the coast of Malta. Before Paul ministered life to the whole island, he experienced the harrowing event of being shipwrecked. Do you think the people who were healed on Malta appreciated what Paul went through to end up on their island? Absolutely! We often think that being led by THE SPIRIT is without its physical challenges but Paul provides us many examples to the contrary. Let us be grateful to FATHER no matter what state we are in and let us glorify HIS Name above all. Let us be equally grateful to Jesus Christ for His submission to the cross for our sins and sicknesses. Further, let us be thankful to the Comforter Who remains with us in times of testing and training.
Our faithfulness to our calling is tested during the challenging times rather than the times of smooth sailing. Above all, know that FATHER’S Love for us will see us through as we navigate the rough waters ahead for HE will calm them at the appropriate time.