September 28, 2023 | Be On Mission
The Storm at Sea
Scripture: Acts 27:13-26(NIV)
13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[a] and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 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.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
Devotional
When we were last in the narrative of the Book of Acts, Paul and some other prisoners were on a ship bound for Rome. Against good wisdom, they left the mainland of modern Turkey and sailed south in stormy weather toward the island nation of Crete. Then, against good advice, they kept sailing along the southern border of Crete, hoping to winter in a better location.
In the end, their ship was driven five hundred miles west in the raging waters until they were far away from the large island of Crete with its safe harbors. All that was available was the tiny island of Malta. Their massive ship with 276 passengers would never be able to dock safely there in the violent storm. Everyone gave up hope of survival. Everyone except Paul.
Sometimes life is smooth sailing. Other times the waves are choppy and dangerous. Sometimes visibility is endless. Other times you can’t see your hand in front of your proverbial face. Sometimes your way is certain. Other times all seems hopeless.
Almost anybody can succeed when you’re on easy street. But how will your faith hold up when that street hits a dead end? What is one of the hardest times you have been through? How did you come through it? Can you see the hand of God in retrospect?
What are you facing that is difficult right now? Do you believe that God is with you, no matter how desperate the situation? Is there somebody else who is going through a rough patch that needs your prayers and encouragement?
When every sailor and soldier and prisoner on board was literally scared to death, Paul reassured them by repeating the words an angel had told him the night before: “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.” Paul’s impending trial meant everyone else’s salvation, perhaps in more ways than one!
Poem
Hope In The Storm
For Don and Caryl Essenberg
The day might start sunny
But red sky is warning
We never know what storms may bring
One word from the doctor
One punch from Hell’s boxer
Can put our life hanging by string
These times, they will shake us
Bad news, threats, could break us
Grief, fear, all around us does swarm
Supplies seem to dry up
The waves ‘round us rise up
‘Til Jesus speaks hope in the storm
This herald of God’s love
This beacon from shore’s cove
Can muster the strength of the crew
And steady our frayed nerves
Tap into faith’s reserves
Allowing the storm to pass through
The storm might deplete us
The terror, ill treat us
And leave us a-panting for life
But Christ, not forsaking
His grip, never shaking
Will hold us amidst all the strife
So, Courage! Dear sailors
Though all seems a failure
You cling to the Rock of All Ages
Throw out Hope’s strong anchor
'Spite rising storm’s cancer
Full facing each moment courageous
