ACTS of the Apostles, part 2
Wednesday, October 5
ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2
How to be Daring and Dynamic
Read Acts 27:13-26
Focus Verses: Acts 27:22-24
(Paul said), “Yet I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.”
Today's passage continues the story of Paul's storm-tossed ship battling a "northeaster" in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Scripture says, "We (those on the ship, including the prisoner Paul), took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved" (27:18-20).
But then... Paul, fueled with faith in his powerful God, speaks up. He told all on board to take courage because God had sent an angel to him saying that everybody would survive the storm. Paul, in the midst of the fierce winds and ominous darkness, shouted out to the sailors, the Roman guards, as well as the prisoners, "So keep your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me" (27:25). Although a prisoner, he ended up acting as the commander—all because of his faith in God. While the ship was being storm-tossed to its core, Paul remained unshakeable.
When speaking of a "wind of hurricane force" (v. 14) coming upon them, I know many of our Soul Sisters in Florida can literally relate. In the aftermath of Ian, please know our prayers are still with you. I also want to be that "Paul-like-voice" for you right now, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this. We want to encourage you today through our prayers and our words. So Soul Sisters, if you feel led, please consider writing a prayer, a note, or a Bible verse in the comments below to encourage our friends and sisters in Florida. Realize your words will most likely encourage others who are not in Florida as well.
Believe God is present in this current calamity. Call out his names in order to strengthen your faith. He was, and is, and always will be: Provider, Helper, Deliverer, Victor, Redeemer, Sovereign, Trustworthy and so much more.
In the midst of whatever storm you may find yourself in, I'm asking the Lord to be ALL of Who He is to each one of you.
Dear Lord,
Our eyes are on you! We ask you to do mighty things in the midst of our messes. Help us to believe in your promises with unshakeable faith, and then cause us to share our faith in encouraging ways with others around us who need words of hope. Amen
