Acts 27:13-26 (KJV) And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
Life doesn’t always meet our expectations. Even while our plans are in line with God’s will, we may however face difficulties. In today’s passage, the weather threatened Paul’s voyage to Rome. Even though the Lord was truly directing His path, a violent storm arose at the sea. The sailors worked hard to keep the ship, however gradually they gave up hope of being saved. The only person who continued in hope was Paul, and he encouraged the group with his confidence in God.
Often in our lives, we find ourselves in conditions in which we do not understand what to do. The situations of life have swirled out of control and the stress is overwhelming. Many instances we can’t change what has happened—whether it’s a job loss, a loved one’s death, or bad news. Circumstances over which we don’t have any control are often those that trip us up. We unavoidably face problems along with poverty, family conflicts, the torment of illness, and setbacks at work or business. When dealing with problems, many easily end up negative and vulnerable and don’t understand how to experience those problems, without losing faith in God. My brothers and sisters, please do not be worried, have faith in God. As long as we come before God and really depend on Him, ultimately we are able to experience Jesus on some other level. Amen
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