Jesus in the StormSample

Safely to Shore

Paul wasn’t new to hardship. In Acts 27, he boards a ship as a prisoner en route to Rome—a destination God had already called him to in a vision (Acts 23:11). But the journey is brutal. The storm raged for two weeks, blotting out the sun and stars, until “All hope was gone.” Acts 27:20

They hadn’t eaten, were exhausted, and fear filled the atmosphere. Yet right in the eye of the storm, Paul stands up—not as a victim, but as a voice. He shares with the crew a promise he received during the night: “For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” (Acts 27:23-26)

WOW, how is that for insane? You won't die, but the ship will sink.

In that moment, Paul never had chapter 28 to read to find out if the promise given would be true. He had to take a step of faith. After declaring his belief in God's word, Paul didn’t just sit and wait—he led. In a moment of physical and emotional exhaustion, when no one had eaten for days, he encouraged action.“Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. ‘You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,’ he said. ‘Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair on your heads will perish.’ Then he took some bread, thanked God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat— all 276 of us who were on board.” (Acts 27:33 36)

This wasn’t just a meal—it was a moment of trust. A practical, visible act of faith rooted in the belief that God keeps His word. Faith feeds. Faith leads. Faith lifts the eyes from panic to promise. This moment reveals something profound: Faith needs to be fed. Paul knew that all on board had not eaten for two weeks, which meant they were weak and would need to swim as the ship went down. They needed to eat for the swim. We, too, need to eat the word to give us the strength to swim to shore. And though the ship was eventually wrecked, every life was saved—just as God said. The storm did not cancel the mission; it clarified it. The journey wasn’t smooth, but it was sacred.

Three Anchors of Truth from Paul’s Storm:

1. What you focus on will shape your storm experience.
   The disciples in Mark panicked because they focused on the storm. Paul had peace because he focused on the Saviour’s promise. Fix your eyes on what is eternal, not what is shaking.
2. Storms are not always stopped—they’re sometimes walked through.
   Paul had to trust God's word even when the boat was breaking. Obedience didn’t prevent the storm, but it preserved his purpose.
3. Storms create unexpected leadership moments.
   Paul, the prisoner, becomes the captain of courage. His confidence in God becomes contagious—276 men begin to eat again, encouraged by his faith. When you stay anchored, others find stability in your peace.

Reflective Questions:

• What are you focusing on right now—the crashing waves or God's spoken word?
• Have you mistaken the breaking of the boat for the breaking of God’s promise?
• In what area of your life is God inviting you to stand up and lead in faith, even in your place of weakness?
• What would it look like for you to eat in the storm—to nourish your spirit with God’s truth and trust?

Prayer:

Jesus, when the storm rages on and all hope feels lost, remind me of the promises You’ve spoken over my life. Help me not to anchor my peace in the boat, but in the God who commands the seas. Give me courage to rise—like Paul—with steady faith, even when the wind still howls. May I be a voice of hope to those around me, and may Your presence be my peace when the journey feels out of control. Even if the ship breaks…Take me safely to shore. In Your name, the God who walks on water and carries me through the wreckage—
Amen.