“There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured” (Acts 28:7-9).

Paul’s destination was Rome, but a storm forced him and his companions to abandon ship at Malta. Sometimes we, too, arrive at a place that wasn’t on our itinerary. It isn’t our ultimate destination but it is where we are. Those are times of opportunity. Paul prayed for the chief official’s father, he was healed and the island experienced a revival.

Gwen and I have a friend in Australia who was born on Malta. He told us that many baby boys there are named “Paul.” Paul’s unplanned visit left a permanent impression on the island. On the way to our destinations we may have many visits to people and places we didn’t anticipate. But wherever we find ourselves we can use the opportunity to touch people’s lives.

God knows how to rearrange our schedules so we can share the good news with people we may otherwise never have seen. It’s another example of how God uses storms to bless others through us. As Paul said in his letters to the Romans, “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” (8:28).