Scripture Reading: Acts 28:6 (KJV)
“Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.”

Reflections: Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta. As he gathered sticks for a fire, a venomous snake bit him. The islanders immediately assumed he was a criminal receiving divine punishment and expected him to die. However, when Paul remained unharmed, they were astonished and changed their perception of him. People may have negative expectations about you, judging you based on circumstances, past mistakes, or false assumptions. Like Paul, you may face situations where others anticipate your downfall, but God will turn their expectations around. Instead of being discouraged by the opinions of others, trust in God’s purpose. He is able to change false judgments, overturn negative expectations, and elevate you beyond what anyone imagined.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that my life is in Your hands, not in the opinions of others.

Confession: I am not defined by people’s opinions. God’s purpose for my life will stand.