27
In the Storm
Tim Savage20The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone…22But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.23For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,24and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’25So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.Acts 27
I love this story; it reminds me of a Saturday morning adventure show on TV from my childhood. In reality though, Paul and the others were in the midst of life and death danger and peril. They were driven wildly off-course by the storm, days of wind and rain pounded their ship, they hadn’t eaten for 2 weeks and all hope was gone. Paul’s stay on Malta and the ensuing trip to Rome are equally epic and inspiring. His faith and strong relationship with the Lord saved him time and time again. What would it be like to be able to stand boldly in treacherous storm conditions and be able to confidently proclaim their safety because we had stood with an angel the night before?!
We can stand boldly in whatever storms of life we face because Jesus has proven many times that He is with us and will protect us. Not just protect us, but bless us, promote us and give us a bright future and a hope. The same God that guided and directed Paul through all of his wild adventures is the God that is there for us now and forever. The storms of illness, disease, injury, age, money, relationships or whatever comes our way are no match for our Heavenly Father. He didn’t calm the seas for Paul and He may not for us, but He protected him and kept him safe through the storm, which He will do for us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the promise that You give to us. Please shelter those that are in storms and stand by their side like the angel did with Paul. Reveal Yourself to those that need Your touch. Thank You for loving us like Your children.
In Jesus name,
Amen
