June 26, 2018
Acts 27:39-44 Living Bible (TLB)
Today, we continue our reading from yesterday with the Apostle Paul, a raging storm, and the plight of the ship transporting him and other prisoners to Rome. Even though Paul told the pilot and crew the ship would go down, they still did not believe. They lowered the rudders like one digging in his or her heels. We are a stubborn creation and we are sure we can save ourselves. They thought they saw a clear way—between the rocks—of escaping the shipwreck prophesied, but they never counted on the sandbar which they could not see.
God has perfect vision and we need to trust him. Life will carry us into unfamiliar places; things we have never before faced. We must be comforted that God knows exactly where we are and how to bring salvation. We need to fall on our knees and ask for God’s help when we are facing the storms of life. He will bring us into a safe place.
Acts 27:39-44 Living Bible (TLB)
39 When it was day, they didn’t recognize the coastline, but noticed a bay with a beach and wondered whether they could get between the rocks and be driven up onto the beach. 40 They finally decided to try. Cutting off the anchors and leaving them in the sea, they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed ashore. 41 But the ship hit a sandbar and ran aground. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the stern was exposed to the violence of the waves and began to break apart.
42 The soldiers advised their commanding officer to let them kill the prisoners lest any of them swim ashore and escape. 43 But Julius wanted to spare Paul, so he told them no. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard and make for land, 44 and the rest to try for it on planks and debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely ashore!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for seeing my life clearly, because sometimes I cannot see the things that seek to destroy me. You are my Rock and my Deliverer. Continue to deliver me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.