They Died for a CauseSample

THE CENTURION!

“Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:31

To better understand what Paul and the prisoners were going through, I highly recommend reading the entire chapter of Acts 27. It sheds light on their situation and the Centurion who was assigned to them. A Centurion was a soldier who had climbed the ranks to become a Commander in charge of a century, which today would be equivalent to a company in the US Army. Given the title of his rank, his group likely consisted of approximately 100 men.

The Centurion had full authority and power. In this account of the ship filled with men in distress, Paul warns them twice; the first warning was ignored, but when the prisoners were about to jump ship, Paul told them to stay on the ship if they wanted to be saved. There is a real lesson in Paul’s statement that we need for today.

As soldiers in the army of God, it is crucial that we stay the course for the Lord and not give up or abandon our faith when life's circumstances become overwhelming.

Although life is filled with challenges that may threaten us, we must trust in the One who saves us and remain steadfast in our faith.

Throughout history, countless men and women have fought for a cause in wars they wish didn’t happen. They had such love for their nation, and for their loved ones, that they were willing to stay the course even unto death. Similarly, as Christians, we must hold firm to our beliefs and remain committed to our faith, regardless of the challenges we face.

PRAYER: Father God, we come to You with thanksgiving for the life lessons in Your word that act as guides to help train us to be faithful soldiers through life. We live in precarious times where faith is being attacked. Father, strengthen each of us so that we can endure through all that life brings our way. In Jesus Name. Amen