June 4, 2022 - Acts‬ ‭27:18-22, 26

“We 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. 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. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”” Acts 27:18-22, 26 NIV

Lord, as we read Luke’s story about Paul, it is encouraging. There are two main things that stand out to me today. We see Paul, a hero of the faith who did amazing things for you, enduring a great storm. For a couple of weeks, they were tossed around by the seas. It was a very stressful time for the 276 people onboard. The first thing that stands out to me today is just because we are following hard after you doesn’t mean that we will not face the storms of life.

The second thing we see is that you gave Paul encouragement and insights throughout the storm. You told him what to do to avoid most of what they went through, but those in charge wouldn’t listen to his advice. Paul was forced to live through the storm with the rest of them. Paul wasn’t spared the consequences of the others not listening. He had to face the storm, but you were with him. You continued to speak to him. You gave him peace and wisdom to survive the storm. We praise you that even when we do have to go through storms, you are with us. Lord, help us tune into your voice, get your insight, and learn to trust you like Paul. Thank you for your insights and help us to always listen.

In Jesus name, amen.