Post by Adrienne on Sept 20, 2016 8:46:21 GMT -5
Leah DiPascal
Acts 27:19-20 (NIV) “On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”
Just as God had promised in Acts 23:11, Paul was on his way to testify in Rome.
After Paul embarked a ship with other prisoners, the crew set sail along the coast of Asia. Within a few days their travels became complicated by strong winds that were dangerous for any voyage taken during the months of the fall season.
Paul warned the centurion in charge that a disaster was inevitable, but the centurion didn’t listen. Instead the centurion followed the advice of the ship’s captain and owner. That decision put every man on board in grave danger.
As a storm raged and violently churned the waters around them, the crew began to take drastic measures for securing the boat. Cargo, supplies and the ship’s tackle were frantically thrown overboard. All attempts were failing and nothing was going as planned. After days of being tossed around aimlessly with no help in sight, they “gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20).
As desperation loomed over them like a dark cloud, Paul saw a perfect opportunity to reveal God’s faithfulness to these men. As the fear of fatality heightened, Paul interjected words of hope.
He urged the men to take courage because their lives would be spared. How did Paul know this with certainty? God had revealed it to him.
“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you’” (Acts 27:19-20).
I love Paul’s succinct statement of faith:
“For I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me” (Acts 27:25).
Paul knew God was trustworthy and completely in control—no matter how big and fierce the storm was surrounding him. Paul chose to trust God’s loving care and protection despite the grim circumstances they were all facing.
The journey to Rome would be laced with hardship and difficulty, but well worth every inch of the way as God’s providence ushered the gospel to the ends of the (then known) earth.
God’s authority reigns over all creation. His power and presence are limitless. Not only did Paul know these truths, he lived them each day—never knowing if it would be his last.
As believers, we can trust God in every area of our lives: our health, finances, marriage, parenting, relationships and our future. God is in control even when our circumstances seem out of control.
God may have sent an angel to declare truth to Paul, but let’s remember God speaks to us through His Word, which we have access to any time and anywhere – especially if we’ve memorized some of it. We also have His Spirit within us, teaching and guiding us into all truth. (John 16:13; John 14:26)
Let us be known as people who live our lives declaring just like Paul, “For I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me” (Acts 27:25).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I find great comfort in knowing You are in control of all things. No matter what happens in my life help me keep my eyes fixed on You. As the storms of life come and go, give me the strength to stay anchored in Your loving arms of safety. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Moments: God’s providence. What exactly does that mean? Providence is God orchestrating everything to conform to His purpose and plan, in accomplishing His perfect will. Just think about that for a minute. Read More
My Moment: What area of your life do you struggle the most in trusting God?
Acts 27:19-20 (NIV) “On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”
Just as God had promised in Acts 23:11, Paul was on his way to testify in Rome.
After Paul embarked a ship with other prisoners, the crew set sail along the coast of Asia. Within a few days their travels became complicated by strong winds that were dangerous for any voyage taken during the months of the fall season.
Paul warned the centurion in charge that a disaster was inevitable, but the centurion didn’t listen. Instead the centurion followed the advice of the ship’s captain and owner. That decision put every man on board in grave danger.
As a storm raged and violently churned the waters around them, the crew began to take drastic measures for securing the boat. Cargo, supplies and the ship’s tackle were frantically thrown overboard. All attempts were failing and nothing was going as planned. After days of being tossed around aimlessly with no help in sight, they “gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20).
As desperation loomed over them like a dark cloud, Paul saw a perfect opportunity to reveal God’s faithfulness to these men. As the fear of fatality heightened, Paul interjected words of hope.
He urged the men to take courage because their lives would be spared. How did Paul know this with certainty? God had revealed it to him.
“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you’” (Acts 27:19-20).
I love Paul’s succinct statement of faith:
“For I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me” (Acts 27:25).
Paul knew God was trustworthy and completely in control—no matter how big and fierce the storm was surrounding him. Paul chose to trust God’s loving care and protection despite the grim circumstances they were all facing.
The journey to Rome would be laced with hardship and difficulty, but well worth every inch of the way as God’s providence ushered the gospel to the ends of the (then known) earth.
God’s authority reigns over all creation. His power and presence are limitless. Not only did Paul know these truths, he lived them each day—never knowing if it would be his last.
As believers, we can trust God in every area of our lives: our health, finances, marriage, parenting, relationships and our future. God is in control even when our circumstances seem out of control.
God may have sent an angel to declare truth to Paul, but let’s remember God speaks to us through His Word, which we have access to any time and anywhere – especially if we’ve memorized some of it. We also have His Spirit within us, teaching and guiding us into all truth. (John 16:13; John 14:26)
Let us be known as people who live our lives declaring just like Paul, “For I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me” (Acts 27:25).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I find great comfort in knowing You are in control of all things. No matter what happens in my life help me keep my eyes fixed on You. As the storms of life come and go, give me the strength to stay anchored in Your loving arms of safety. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Moments: God’s providence. What exactly does that mean? Providence is God orchestrating everything to conform to His purpose and plan, in accomplishing His perfect will. Just think about that for a minute. Read More
My Moment: What area of your life do you struggle the most in trusting God?