Acts 27

We see a vivid description of how Paul is aboard the ship sailing toward Italy for his appointment before Caesar. During the course of the trip they encounter preventive winds and storms. While Paul offers advice for the safe passage of the crew, ship, and cargo those making the decisions of whether to harbor for the winter or sail on farther go against Paul's direction. However, during the time of the journey the crew feared losing the passengers, many of which were prisoners. Once again Paul gives advice as well as testimony of what God had spoken to him. he states, "Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your lives, but only of the ship. For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me, and said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.' Therefore, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me." Although the journey was not easy, the result was just as the angel of God spoke, the ship was lost but all lives were spared.

When I compare the journey of Paul to my life I find parallels and encouragement in the midst of what can often be discouraging. For we see that Paul new what God spoke, but I wonder if he ever had doubts as I often find myself experiencing. Were there times when Paul quipped, "God are you sure this is going to work out as you promised? God are you still there? God did I misread your instructions?" As humans we often question God when the storms approach or when we face a challenging wind in our face. In times of such as this I am grateful for the testimony and accounts of Paul and others like him. I find myself quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths."

Is there a situation you face today in which you wonder where God is? Trust that he is wise in all ways. Is there a storm within which you are struggling to survive? Allow God to be your anchor and hope! Does it seem like every way your turn you find roadblocks? Seek God and trust His providential care.