We often think of Paul the Apostle as a pillar of strength,
boldness, perseverance, and unshakable faith. And yes, he was all those things.
But he was also a mere man, and like the
rest of us-- he had moments when he was
weak, felt discouraged and needed to be exhorted, and strengthened to stay the
course. And God was faithful to meet the beloved Apostle at his point of need. “Do
not be afraid…and do no not keep silent…for I am with you”….. Jesus said to
Paul in a vision during one of these moments in Acts 18, when he was being accused of blasphemy for
preaching the gospel to his countrymen.
On another occasion Jesus stood with Paul in prison and gave
him the promise that Paul would be His witness in Rome (Acts 23:11). So when He was caught up in a terrible storm with over 200 fellow prisoners and Roman soldiers on a ship headed to Rome, no matter how bleak or tempestuous
the storm -- he never lost hope but rather encouraged the others, and gave them
hope. He fully trusted that God would keep His promise. While the other men
wanted to abandon ship to save themselves Paul told them that – “ The God whom I belong and serve” -- had told him that
they would all arrive safely to Rome but added -- ”Unless you stay on the ship,
you cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:31) Paul
assured them that God would not abandon them in their time of need but they had
to stay on the boat until they got close to land and could swim safely to shore. They couldn’t give
up.
You may have started the voyage with smooth sailing but then
conditions turned suddenly and you are caught up in a raging storm wondering if
you should jump ship. Our journey in this life towards our eternal home is not
easy. There will be events and unexpected circumstances that will disappoint us
and we will face obstacles, hardships and all sorts of peril that will cause us
to want to lose hope and want to give up. The truth is that we are not promised
smooth sailing. We are actually promised certain hardship and peril, but never
lose sight that with it we also have the assurance that we can take refuge and
safety in Jesus who will never leave us or forsake us as He helps us reach the
shore.
Acts 24 tells us that all on board made it safely to land.
This was the fulfillment of what God had promised – not one was lost! Some were strong enough to swim, some floated
on planks and broken pieces of the ship, but they all made it safely. Like
these men, you may not be strong enough to swim and may have to cling to broken
pieces as you make it to shore, but Jesus has promised you that you will indeed
make it to shore. So whatever kind of
storm life may present you – like Paul, let nothing shake your faith. And remember that it is better to stay on the
boat with Jesus than to weather the storm without Him!
bu Cecilia Trent
bu Cecilia Trent
