Scripture: Acts 27; Psalm 46
We have seasons of severe storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. These natural weather events can create widespread destruction in lives. People lose their lives, properties are destroyed and daily activities are disrupted. Even though these weather events may be predicted, no one knows the degree in which they will destroy.
In the book of Acts, Luke recorded the journey of Paul through the tempestuous wind storm, Euroclydon. Paul had warned the ship leader and Julius the centurion, who was assigned to his care, of the storm. Folks would rather listen to some one who may not have a faith in God. Instead of taking the wise advice of a man who has committed his life to trust in God.
We can equate our personal trials with storms. They are unpredictable and disrupt lives. Paul trusted in the angel’s message “Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” No one would lose his life if he stayed on the ship.
Personal storms come, most time unexpected. Prayer is our action in response to uneasy stormy trials. Those who traveled with Paul, were safe as long as they remained in the ship. When a strong wind comes your way, Jesus is your only refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
We are commanded to Stay on Board. It is a commitment to remain in Christ to weather the storm. There is no safety outside of Christ. Outside of Christ we are open prey for the enemy. Our hope for protection and deliverance through a very difficult stormy problem diminishes outside of Christ. In Christ, we have an assurance that he will shepherd us through. In Christ, we peace. “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have over come the world.”
The Apostle Paul was in good cheer because he gave his concerns to Jesus. He did not doubt the message from the angel of God. He encouraged the others on the ship. Only in Christ, can we have peace in the midst of a storm. Only in Christ, can we have peace in the midst of a trial, when you just don’t know what to do.
Paul and the 276 souls made it through the aftermath of Euroclydon. No life was lost because they remained in the ship. The ship was broken into pieces. A personal storm can wreck havoc in our lives. To avoid a shattered broken life, remain in Christ. It is Christ that takes us through. It is Christ that delivers us. In him, our lives are saved and our faith to trust in him is strengthened. In times of our personal storms, the Spirit tells us to “Stay on Board”.
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From the Path of Righteousness Church in Christ.
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