Christ never said we would have it easy in this life. In fact, many difficult circumstances will come our way (See John 16:33). I have been reading through the book of Acts and have now come to Acts 27. Here we find a gripping first hand account of a shipwreck in Paul's life. He had recently stood trial before King Agrippa where we could have been set free. However, before the King could pass judgment Paul appealed to Caesar. This was a right of every Roman citizen and the King honored that decision of Paul and sent him on his way. It is on this journey when things really seem to be going wrong. If you've never read the story go and read it now (Acts. 27).
Notice how God provided for Paul along the way. The Bible proclaims that God is faithful. He keeps his word. We sing it in the Psalms, and we see it in the history of the children of Israel. Now see it in the spread of the gospel and the early church.
It was for God's glory that Paul appealed to Caesar. God used that event to spread his message in a major way. Furthermore, he confirmed his will to Paul in the middle of the storm. Paul encouraged the men with the words of God saying, "Now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me." (Acts 27:22-25)
Today, as an act of worship, look to God in the midst of your storm. Whatever you may be facing today, remember that God is faithful to his word; what he says he will do. Take courage!
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