| I Chronicles 9:1-10:14, Acts 27:21-44, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 18:23-24
“No one had eaten for a long time, but finally Paul called the crew together and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Fair Havens – you would have avoided all this injury and loss! But cheer up! Not one of us will lose our lives, even though the ship will go down.'” Acts 27:21-22
In the previous verses we see the folks on the boat have been going through a horribly long storm. They’ve thrown practically everything overboard, they’re afraid and no one has been eating. In the next verse we read that Paul had a visitation and received a word that everyone was going to survive if they all stuck together. Paul believed it so much that he grabbed something to eat and encouraged everyone else to do the same. After they listened to what Paul said, they ate and the whole boat felt a lot better about the situation. They weren’t completely out of danger, but Paul was confident in the Lord, that He would do as He said and protect them.
Sometimes God’s plan and protection seems crazy. In your mind, you’re thinking how bout we just calm those waves and translate over to an island. Let’s end this. I don’t know why God allows what He allows sometimes but I do know that He is faithful. As His representatives, it is important that we be the voice of reason, the one with faith that people can look to for hope, His arms and legs in any given situation. Admittedly, God warned these people through Paul before they ever left. Now, they are seeing Paul actually heard from God so when he gives them another word, they are more apt to believe God. No matter what, God uses all things to work together for our good. Maybe He got a few conversions out of that trip!
PRAYER: Lord, when things are hard and there is no end in sight, I ask You to give me peace, give me a word that will get us all through. My heart trusts in You and I know You will never leave nor forsake me. I thank You that You are saving those around me as well. Help me to be that light in the darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
