Focal Passage:Acts 27:31-44
Life is often pictured as a journey. All journeys start at one destination and travel to another. We are born, which begins our journey in life and we die which ends our journey in life.
Between the beginning and the end, life is full of all kinds of adversities. So many times, we are faced with circumstances that can test our character, drain our strength and darken our souls.
In our passage this week we find an example of such a journey. Paul is on his way from Caesarea to Rome to stand before Caesar. And, the trip was anything but smooth. Each of us at times, face difficult paths that must be navigated if we are to reach our final destinations. When we consistently read, hear and understand the Word of God, we learn valuable lessons that help us navigate the turbulent waters in life.
I have traveled on many ships, some big and some small. But regardless of size, all had certain equipment that were, not only common for any size vessel, but absolutely essential in navigating the challenges faced upon the seas
There are challenges above the surface, such as winds and currents, but there are also dangers that lay beneath the surface which we cannot see.
Nimmo
All of which can drive a ship to destruction unless you have the tools to deal with the adversities you encounter. This is especially true in storms when all these elements occur together. Life is always changing. It is in constant motion. And, without a strong anchor, we too can be driven by winds and currents and smashed upon the rocks in life.
God has anchors for the Christian, to learn and to use, to weather every storm of life. However, we must learn and be instructed in the efficient handling of these tools if they are to help us.
We have such an example in our passage today. Paul was on his way to appear in his trial before Caesar.On the way tragedy descended upon the crew and prisoners. Death seemed to be an almost certainty. But in the midst of gloom and doom hope appeared. Paul had a visitor, an angel. The angel told Paul that he and everyone on board the ship, would be saved. Everyone on that ship needed deliverance from this impending disaster. But, while everyone else was panicking, Paul was calm and confident. Why? Because Paul trusted in God who can calm the storms. Christians are never alone. God’s eye is always upon us. His angels are always near us.
Paul not only trusted in the presence of God; he also had a Word from God. Can you believe God even in the most devastating times of trouble and adversity? Yes! Paul did and so can we.
Paul also trusted God’s plan. God had a plan at work in Paul’s life just like He does in ours. When our plans go asunder and it looks like we are finished, we have an anchor for our soul. God has a plan that will always supersede any plans that would seek to destroy us. His plan will always succeed when ours fail. There is always a hope and a future with God.
In our life, when we find ourselves in the storms of life, how do we survive? What do we do? Where do we find hope? We follow Paul’s example and trust God completely. B&R
