Acts 27:24

New International Version (NIV)

Do not be afraid, Paul … and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.

For Meditation

They were caught in a furious storm. Majority of them took the decision to sail against Paul’s counsel. Now they were fighting for their lives on high seas. The sun and stars had deserted them for days and they finally gave up all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20).

Thank God that Paul was still on board the ship. He was a man on God’s mission to Rome, and before Caesar he would stand. No storm was going to change what God had ordained.

That might be your situation today. God has a plan and purpose for your life and nothing is going to stop it. No hurricane can drive you away from God’s destination for your life. You may drift for a while. The ragging storm may frighten you for most of the time. The night may be dark and unending and you may even give up hope.

Take heart, my friend! God has appointed you to be the point of blessing for many around you who are caught in the storm with you. God has given you the lives of members of your family and friends in similar situations. He has not given up on you, and He will deliver you from this one also as He delivered Paul. So, take courage and encourage those around you. Be in the Spirit and hear Him speak a word you can use to encourage them.

“I urge you to keep up you courage … an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid … You must … God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you … So keep up your courage … for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me,” Paul said (22-25).

You serve a faithful God. Open yourself to His Spirit and listen. He is the God who speaks out of the storm (Job 38:1). No matter how boisterous, loud, and prolonged the storm might be, you will hear the Almighty’s voice. Paul heard Him and encouraged the stubborn passengers and crew. It is your privilege in Christ Jesus. It’s called grace.

1. So, were you with the majority that made the terrible decision to sail against Paul’s counsel?
2. Is there anything you could do to roll back the time to make things right?
3. Isn’t that the universal challenge of all ages?
4. Can you therefore thank God that your Paul is still on board the ship?
5. Can you praise the God who keeps covenant with His children even through the storm?

I pray you’ll keep up your courage and believe with Paul that God will surely deliver you from the storm, though things may worsen before your deliverance.

However, remember His sovereignty.

Shalom