June 25, 2018
Acts 27:13-38 Living Bible (TLB)
What begins as a perfect day, does not always end as a perfect day. In our lesson from the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul is a prisoner; falsely accused. As a Roman citizen, he uses his right to appeal to Caesar. His appeal is granted and plans are made to have him transported to Rome by way of a sailing vessel. Paul encourages the pilot and crew to abort their plans of sailing. But the ship’s owner does not want to stay in this location for the winter. They set sail anyway.
At first the wind seems favorable for sailing, but in a very sort time a deadly storm arrises. Paul begins to pray for wisdom and guidance. Satan does not want Paul to reach his destination so he sends a storm; Paul will speak truth to too many influential people if he is able to reach Rome. But Paul is led by the Spirit of God and the Spirit tells Paul he is going to reach Rome and stand before Caesar; he is not to allow fear to overtake him. God is in charge of this journey; this is the Lord’s battle. Enough said; Paul believes the word of the Lord.
If you are facing difficulties because you are serving the purposes of Christ, stay strong in the Lord. Live for Christ and hold fast to His Word. This spiritual battle you are encountering belongs to the Lord. He will fulfill his Word to your heart.
Acts 27:13-36
13 Just then a light wind began blowing from the south, and it looked like a perfect day for the trip; so they pulled up anchor and sailed along close to shore.
14-15 But shortly afterwards the weather changed abruptly, and a heavy wind of typhoon strength (a “northeaster,” they called it) caught the ship and blew it out to sea. They tried at first to face back to shore but couldn’t, so they gave up and let the ship run before the gale.
16 We finally sailed behind a small island named Clauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat that was being towed behind us, 17 and then banded the ship with ropes to strengthen the hull. The sailors were afraid of being driven across to the quicksands of the African coast,[a] so they lowered the topsails and were thus driven before the wind.
18 The next day as the seas grew higher, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. 19 The following day they threw out the tackle and anything else they could lay their hands on. 20 The terrible storm raged unabated many days,[b] until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time, but finally Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Fair Havens—you would have avoided all this injury and loss! 22 But cheer up! Not one of us will lose our lives, even though the ship will go down.
23 “For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul—for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God has granted your request and will save the lives of all those sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage! For I believe God! It will be just as he said! 26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”
Prayer: Lord, I accept your plan for my life. Keep me mentally ready at all times to follow you for the benefit of the Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.