“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” – Mark 16:17-18
Faith Over Fear
As believers, we are called to live boldly in our faith, trusting that God is always with us. Many who handle snakes do so as a demonstration of their faith in God’s protection. This belief is founded on the promise that He will keep us safe when we step out in faith. When we think of snake handling, we see that it’s not about the snakes themselves, but the faith that drives us to trust God fully. Our faith allows us to conquer our fears and embrace His promises. It challenges us to know that God is our refuge and strength, always there to support us in our endeavors. These acts are often a testament to our unwavering belief in the Lord’s power and His divine protection.
Mark 16:17
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;” – Mark 16:17
Acts 28:5-6
“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.” – Acts 28:5-6
Psalm 91:13
“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” – Psalm 91:13
Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2
The Power of God’s Protection
God’s protective power is one of the most comforting assurances we have as Christians. The act of handling snakes is an act of total dependence on God and His power to keep us safe. We face many trials in life, and sometimes those trials look dangerous. But we take heart, knowing that with God’s presence, we can overcome any threat. The Bible speaks of God’s mighty hand protecting us from harm. When we confront situations that may scare us or seem impossible, we can stand strong, knowing that God’s shield surrounds us. He promises to walk with us through any dangers we may encounter, reminding us that our faith can push aside even the greatest fears.
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
2 Timothy 4:18
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen!” – 2 Timothy 4:18
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:7-8
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Demonstrating Our Faith
Handling snakes can be seen as a way to visibly demonstrate one’s faith in God. While this is not a practice encouraged for everyone, it speaks to the depth of trust some believers have in divine protection. This act serves as a bold declaration that our strength lies not in our own abilities, but in the power of Christ. When we step out in faith, we participate in God’s plan to show His love and might. Our lives, in all they embody and project, can be a testament of that faith. It is through these acts of faith that we encourage one another and bear witness to God’s goodness. Together, we can be a shining light, embodying that trust in everyday life, drawing others closer to Him.
James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
John 14:12
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12
Facing Challenges with God
Believing in God’s power can assist us in facing physical challenges, including handling dangerous creatures. When we face life’s circumstances with God, we open ourselves to His ability to see us through any trial. Taking on risks often requires strong faith yielding miraculous outcomes. The Bible encourages us to confront adversity with the assurance that we are never alone in our battles. We have God as our support, guiding us through every challenge. As we face hurdles in life—whether metaphorical snakes or otherwise—we remind ourselves that the Lord equips us for victory, and He leads the way in overcoming obstacles.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Matthew 19:26
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” – Matthew 19:26
Isaiah 40:29
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Going Beyond Our Limits
Handling snakes requires courage and a belief that pushes beyond our limits. God calls us to a radical faith, asking us to sometimes step out bravely into the unknown. This act is more of a metaphor for overcoming our limitations and insecurities. We are reminded that when we rely on God, we can exceed what we thought was possible. The moments we step into true faith can lead to astonishing revelations about His goodness and power. Through these acts, we test the boundaries of our faith, proving to ourselves that we can accomplish significant things with God on our side. As a community of believers, we can help elevate one another in this pursuit, exploring faith together.
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20
Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'” – Matthew 17:20
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
The Importance of Community
In challenging practices like snake handling, having a strong community of faith is invaluable. Being part of a faith-filled group encourages us to move forward in our beliefs. We find strength and support among fellow believers who inspire us to trust in God’s protection together. Our community can cultivate an environment where we support one another in faith challenges. This can be particularly potent when facing trials or concerns. Together, we uplift each other, reminding ourselves of God’s promises and how He walks with us through our fears. Whether it is in snake handling or other demonstrations of faith, one another’s presence makes us stronger.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of snake handling in faith, we see a powerful message about trusting in God’s protection. It’s fascinating to consider how this practice underscores our willingness to step out in faith, asserting that our confidence lies in Him. We understand through scripture that God offers us safety and guidance through our challenges. Together, our faith strengthens us, supporting one another as we grow in our beliefs. Each verse reminds us to draw courage from His promises, tackling fears bravely. In community, we can inspire each other, helping elevate our faith journeys, regardless of how we express our trust in Him.
Let us continue to discover more about our faith, embracing the lessons and loveGod offers us. We can encourage one another in our walk with Christ, building up our hearts and spirits together. As we reflect on these scriptures, may we seek to apply them in our lives and help others find hope in their challenges. Check out some more engaging topics to read that lead us deeper into understanding God’s word.