Scripture
Acts 27:23-25
23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.
Acts 28:3-4
3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”
Observation
What unshakeable peace, Paul had! Here he is in the middle of a violent storm, on a ship about to be broken apart by the waves–yet speaking life and hope to his shipmates, prison guards, and fellow prisoners. Though he was in chains–yet he had a divine purpose. Though he was sailing through a storm–yet he had peace. Though he was about to be bitten by a poisonous snake–yet he still had a calling to fulfill. None of the problems could shake him, and none of the issues could sway his confidence.
Contrast that with the perspective of the villagers on Malta–where they could see only a convict, God saw a man who lived with conviction. Where they could see only bad luck, Paul saw only the protection of his Savior.
Application
Life brings storms–it’s just that simple! There is no uncertainty about that fact. The wind and rain is going to come!
The question is how do I respond when that happens. If my faith is balanced on the shaky foundation of getting what I want in life, then my faith will be shaken every time I encounter high winds and tall waves. But if my faith is rooted in the one who rules over the wind and waves, then the storms can hold no authority over me.
My purpose and calling are not dependent on my circumstances–they are dependent only on the One who created me and called me. My path in life is not dependent on the guards who surround me, or the chains that bind me–it is dependent only on the God who created me for this moment, in this storm!
Today I choose to speak life into those around me, even if they are my prison guards. I choose to declare the goodness of my God, no matter how the winds blow. And I choose to let God display His power through my life, even when the enemy puts snakes in my campfire!
Prayer
God, thank you for the peace that I have in you! Thank you for being greater than the storms, greater than the wind and waves! Thank you for having authority over every serpent, and every attack of the enemy of my soul.
Use me today for your glory, and for your purpose. You are good, and your mercy endures forever!
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