Acts - Until Everyone KnowsSample

Acts 27

As a prisoner, Paul is being escorted to Rome by ship, but a violent storm hits, and it looks like everyone could lose their life. They toss the cargo overboard, and after days of the boat being dragged along by the hurricane, they finally give up hope of being saved (v. 20).

But in the midst of this terrifying ordeal, Paul has an encounter with an Angel who reassures him that he will get to Rome and that no one on the ship will be lost (vs. 23-24). So he talks to everyone on board, encouraging them to eat something to keep up their strength. He takes some bread, gives thanks to God, and eats it in front of them all. They all follow suit.

Finally, when daylight comes, they see land, so they run the ship aground and despite the stormy waves, they all make it to shore, just as Paul had promised (v. 44).

A crisis can be an amazing opportunity for your faith in God to rise above everyone else’s fear. Among your family, friends, or work colleagues, you have an opportunity to be a witness to trusting in God and walking in Divine Peace. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul could have joined in with the fear and panic on that ship. Instead, he shares what God has said to him, and they are all encouraged (v. 36).

When people are in times of trouble, you can share about your faith in Jesus and what you believe He can do. People are usually more open in these moments and willing to receive prayer. So pray, and then trust God to move into action!

Holy Spirit, thank You for enabling me today to walk in Love, Power, and with a Sound Mind. Give me words of Peace to speak into stressful situations around me. Would you open people’s hearts to Jesus in these moments? Amen.

Stephen Gibson