Acts 28:7-10. Publius, the chief man of the island where Paul and the others have been shipwrecked, receives the survivors hospitably, and they stay with him for three days. Publius' father is sick at the time with fever and dysentery, but Paul prays over him, lays hands on him, and heals him. After this, everyone on the island with diseases comes, and all are cured. Paul and the others are presented with many gifts, and when the time comes for them to leave the island, the natives supply them with everything they need.

This is yet another example of how God always provides for us! Paul is shipwrecked, but devotes his time to praying over and healing the natives. I feel certain God had the ship run aground on this island in order to bring Paul to these people, even if only briefly. Paul makes the most of his time with them by loving and helping them, just as God would want him to do. Can you imagine the joy that was spread by all those healings? These people live on a remote island, they don't have the medical capabilities of the more "modern" world. But in His love for them, God sends Paul (and Luke, a doctor!) to them! Because of the healings and the joy they bring, Paul and the others are then supplied generously when it is time to leave.

Everyone in this story shows God's love: Publius welcomes these visitors warmly; Paul heals and prays with the natives; and the natives return that charity with gifts and supplies. I said at the beginning that God always provides for us, and that is true, but it very often is through us - we provide for each other when we act with love and charity. After all, God is love, so when we act with love, we are acting as God.