Faith is often tested in difficult moments. Many believers remain steady when life is peaceful, but true faith is revealed when trials come unexpectedly.
The Apostle Paul experienced such a test in Acts 28. While traveling to Rome as a prisoner, he survived a violent storm and a shipwreck. After finally reaching the island of Malta, another danger arose—a venomous viper latched onto his hand.
The people on the island believed Paul would die. Instead, Paul simply shook the snake into the fire and continued his work. Paul’s response teaches an important lesson about unshakable faith.
1. Unexpected Dangers Can Shake Our Faith
Acts 28:3–4 (ESV):
“When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.’”
Paul had already endured a storm and a shipwreck, yet another threat appeared without warning. Life often unfolds the same way—challenges arise when we least expect them.
Believers may face many kinds of trials:
- Financial struggles
- Health problems
- Relationship conflicts
- Criticism from others
- Spiritual attacks
Sometimes difficulties come one after another, shaking our confidence and testing our faith.
The enemy often uses unexpected situations to stir fear and doubt. Jesus described this clearly —the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Yet Jesus also reminded His followers of the authority they have in Him.
Luke 10:19 (NKJV):
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Believers are not powerless. God provides strength through Jesus Christ. When trials arise, we must choose faith over fear.
2. A Strong Relationship with Jesus Creates Unshakable Faith
Paul remained calm because he trusted God.
His faith was not rooted in circumstances, but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship began when Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3–5), a moment that transformed his life and redirected his purpose.
From then on, Paul endured many hardships:
- Imprisonment
- Persecution
- Rejection
- Criticism
Even other believers initially questioned his conversion. Still, Paul remained faithful to his calling, knowing that God’s purpose outweighed temporary difficulties.
Hebrews encourages believers with this reminder:
Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV):
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
A deep relationship with God produces steady faith. Through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, faith grows stronger—becoming firm even in life’s hardest seasons.
3. Unshakable Faith Produces Spiritual Breakthrough
Paul did not panic when the snake bit him. He simply shook it off into the fire.
The people of Malta expected Paul to die. They watched him closely. However, Paul suffered no harm.
Acts 28:5–6 (ESV):
“He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead.”
The people watched closely, expecting the worst. But when Paul remained unharmed, their perspectives began to change.
Soon after, God used Paul to minister powerfully on the island.
Acts 28:8–9 (ESV):
“It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.”
What began as a life-threatening moment became an opportunity for ministry. Paul’s faith opened the door for healing and transformation.
In the same way, trials today can become opportunities. People watch how believers respond to adversity. A faithful response can reveal God’s power and become a testimony to others.
4. God’s Promises Strengthen Our Faith
God never promised a life without trials, but He did promise victory to those who trust Him.
Psalm 16:8 (NKJV):
“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”
Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV):
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
Weapons may form. Difficulties will come. But God promises they will not ultimately succeed.
Faith means trusting God even when the outcome is not yet visible. Like Paul, we must learn to shake off fear, criticism, and discouragement, standing firm in God’s faithfulness.
Paul’s experience in Malta teaches a lasting spiritual truth: storms may come, shipwrecks may happen, and dangers may arise—but those who trust in God can remain unshaken.
Faith is not the absence of trials. It is confidence in God in the midst of them.
When believers stand firm, God can turn trials into testimonies—bringing miracles, ministry, and testimonies through even the most difficult circumstances.
