Daily EncouragementSample

This is the concluding sentence of Luke’s vivid account of the storm which almost spelt disaster to Paul, his companions, his military escort and the ship’s crew as they sailed en route to Rome. They all landed safe and sound on the island of Malta.

The plans and programmes of men are subservient to the purpose of God. He even uses their unwise decisions - in this case, following the advice of pilot and ship-owner, even though sailing had already become dangerous, with winter coming on (verse 9ff). The key figures from heaven’s viewpoint were not centurions and sea-captains but apostles, and the rest were spared for their sakes - “God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you” (verse 24).

The servant of God need have no fear about reaching the destination the Lord has prepared for him. “We are immortal ‘til our work is done,” is a true saying. “If He has work for me to do, I cannot die,” said the godly Henry Martyn. If the Lord was taking Paul to Rome, he would get him there, but it is abundantly clear that this did not guarantee an easy passage. This should give the missionary second thoughts if he is tempted to complain when the airline mislays his luggage!