In Acts 27 we read the story of the Apostle Paul and some other prisoners who were forced to go on a ship to Italy. Paul had to appear in court in Rome. The wind was against them (Verses 7 + 8) so they sailed slowly. Later a cyclone hit the ship and they were tossed about violently, so much so that some of the sailors wanted to abandon the ship and flee on a lifeboat. But God sent an Angel to warn Paul that no one on the ship would be harmed if they stayed on the boat. The ship was wrecked, and some swam to the closest shore, or they clung to the bits of wood that came off the shipwreck, thus everyone was saved.
Sometimes strong winds are also against us, and we need to go slowly and be patient. Other times we feel as if a cyclone has punched us and we might want to abandon or quit a hard situation we find ourselves in, but the wreckage of the ship Paul was in, ultimately became the sailors’ lifejackets which carried them to safety. If some of the sailors had gotten out of the ship when they initially wanted to, they would have had no boards or things to hold onto when the storm was at its worst and the ship broke into pieces. Jesus is our lifejacket and safety when storms hit us. Even during deep troubles, when our lives seem to be broken and we suffer much pain, Jesus patiently waits for us to call upon Him so He can help us. Psalm 50:15 states, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver/rescue you, and you will glorify Me.”
What will you choose to do when your ship/life is tossed about by storms? In John 6 we read how many people, who had followed Jesus, left Him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that YOU are the Holy One of God.” (Verses 8+9) Jesus tenderly calls us and reminds us that HE is the One we can go to, and He will calm the rough seas and terrifying winds that attempt to harm us. He says to us, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28, 29)
Precious Good Shepherd, Thank You so much that You are the God of hope who fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in You, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). Thank You that You command Your Angels to guard and protect us in ALL our ways (Psalm 91:11). Thank You Holy, Almighty Father God, that just as You told the Israelites in Deut. 31:6, to be strong and courageous, and not to be afraid or terrified, that You would go with them and never leave them nor forsake them, that You also tell us the same. You are our Mighty Fortress, our Hiding Place, our safety and refuge. No storm in our lives is too difficult or too hard for You to calm. (Jer. 32:17) We love You! Amen.
Myrtle Turunen