Acts 27:32 (KJV)
Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
We are still on our voyage at sea, sailing on the vessel that God in His
sovereignty has determined would soon be shipwrecked. Paul knew it by
means of God's angel and also shared this truth to everyone on board ship.
We find in the verse above that the centurion soldiers in command have
wisely cut off the ropes to the smaller boat so that none could escape,
and so that no damage would occur to the ship itself during the continuing
storm. As I reflected upon that fact, I realized that because of man’s
natural tendency to want to take the easy way out and avoid difficulties,
the Lord also has to cut off our escape routes so that we remain exactly
where He wants us, and where it is safest and best for us to be - whether
we appreciate it or not! In His great love for us, the Lord makes us stay
right in the heart of the storm where we will learn the most about Him
and ourselves. But ladies, don't panic when you notice that the ropes
have been cut, it's a perfect time trust in the Lord!
Psalm 31:22 (KJV)
For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless
thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
We have watched as the apostle Paul, a simple prisoner on board the ship,
has become the dominating personality in this storm. Can you imagine what
the atmosphere of the vessel was like with 266 other people on board during
this frightening and trying time?? God's man has taken charge of the entire
situation and brought it under control. Paul mastered fear… This is truly
the Lord at work here! As I said before, no matter who you are or where
you are, no matter the circumstances or even what position you hold in
life, God only needs a yielded vessel to bring glory to His name and to
accomplish His work! Paul yielded himself first to God and also to the
storm that was presently upon his life...
Isaiah 12:2 (KJV)
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the
Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Yes, the Lord had control of Paul and it showed - does He have control
of you today, dear lady? Is it showing?? Would that you and I were powerful
enough to react to the storms of life so readily and with holy poise as
the apostle! Be honest today; of what area in your life does God not yet
have complete control? Ladies, you would do well to abandon yourself to
God's sovereignty and place your trust in Him, so as to bring peace to
your soul and all who are sailing through life with you - your husband
and children perhaps. Our public testimony is very important during unsettled
times…
Acts 27:33-37 (KJV)
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat,
saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued
fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat:
for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the
head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave
thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began
to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
Paul's courage was remarkably contagious - it spread to everyone! He was
of good cheer and here we find that ALL on board became of good cheer!
History teaches that many viruses were passed from passenger to passenger
as people journeyed on ships, weakening folk and even bringing death on
many occasions. In contrast, courage is a great “virus” to spread, for
it brings strength and life to people! Have YOU caught it yet?? I hope
so! You see ladies, what we need to bravely face the storms in life is
spiritual health. It is a distinct virus caught from partaking of meat
- meat hunted in the Word of God every day! I hope you are eating your
meat as Paul encouraged these sailors to do. Only then will you gain the
necessary strength and fitness of mind to face the storms of life as they
draw closer. The Word of God will preserve you, sustain you and prepare
you. If you've been starving yourself of meat from the Word, it will show
up in your crisis, for you won't be found in control. One must prepare
to face the demands of life, both physically and spiritually. After you
consume food you always feel better, amen? Eat now, for a storm may soon
be headed your way and you'll need God’s might…
Acts 9:19 (KJV)
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened...
Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV)
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them
not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For
they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh.
One thing that I do not want to overlook is the fact that Paul, in the
presence of EVERYONE on board the ship, took bread and gave thanks before
eating. What a small example of humility in a big setting! One dedicated
believer changed the whole atmosphere of this crowd simply by trusting
the Lord and openly talking to God, making his faith visible. Let us,
by our examples, remind others who have forgotten to look heavenward and
inspire them to give thanks to the God who has blessed us all abundantly.
I wonder, do you openly pray in public places, bowing your head and thanking
God (yes, out loud!) for your food before you eat? Even in a location
where 266 people may be seated?? What about family or other social gatherings
where you know you are the only Christian, or Christian family present?
Benjamin Franklin said that a man without courage was like a knife without
an edge… Paul's piercing example encouraged others to join him, and yours
will too! In spite of everything, other believers who lack bravery to
stand up for the Lord will gain courage from you; it truly is contagious!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
