December 5th~Strength in the Storm

Acts 27:1-44

After Paul made an appeal for Caesar to hear his case (25:11), the guards made preparation to transport him to Rome. Since they did not have the luxury of flight, as we do, the trip would be by ship and would last several weeks. All 276 passengers on board endured one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

Though our passage was full of nautical phrases and was difficult to understand, it was not difficult to comprehend that the trip was dangerous. “We had several days of rough sailing; and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But, the wind was against us... We struggled along the coast with great difficulty... We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for long voyages by then, because it was so late in the fall” (27:7-9).

What immediately became apparent on this trip was Paul’s impact on the passengers, particularly when the situation became perilous. When things were going smoothly, Paul had the attention of his commanding officer (who treated him kindly, 27:3), but when things grew tense and people’s lives were in danger, Paul had the attention of everyone. It was as if the storms gave Paul an opportunity to minister to every person on board. The circumstances shed light on his character and faith. His words and inner strength encouraged everyone.

“Take courage,” he said. “None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. Last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me... [and told me that] God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone. So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said” (v.22-26). Everyone was encouraged. By the end of the whole ordeal, Paul had become valuable to both the commander and the crew (v.43).

Daily Reflection

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a group of strangers because of some abnormal circumstance (weather event, stalled elevator, black out, wreck, etc.)? How did you react? Was it different than the reaction of others? Did you interact with people? Why or why not?

What is it about Christians, that we can bring calm and encouragement in situations like these, when most people tend to panic?

While most people view situations like these as terrible and inconvenient, Paul viewed the storm as another opportunity to express the difference that Christ can make in one’s life. God simply arranged for him to have the chance to impact strangers for good.

If you believe in a God of providence, that He arranges situations for a purpose, how must you perceive these times when you find yourself in the midst of a “storm” with others?

BiAY.org | Day 339 — 26 Days to Go