After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
—Acts 27:21-26

~~~~~

Shipwrecked
By Jennifer Kane

There are visions that feel like nightmares,
yet they lead to heavenly victory.
This journey feels like one of those—
a stormy path, ordained by God.
For the dream of the warrior
is to go wherever the Spirit leads.
Would you boldly set sail,
knowing a shipwreck is certain?
This is a romance with the Divine,
a life where the wreckage refines.
So I run, like Paul, toward the storm,
toward the broken vessel that awaits me.
I will fight the good fight,
endure the suffering,
if it gives another a chance—
a chance to know the God
who seeks the lost,
and rescues lives wrecked by sin.

~~~~~

Scripture: Acts 27:21-26

Paul, a prisoner on a doomed ship in the midst of a violent storm, became a beacon of hope to those around him. After days of chaos and despair, he boldly stood and shared God’s promise: “There will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” Despite the dire circumstances, Paul’s confidence rested not in human solutions but in God’s sovereignty.

Notice how Paul begins by acknowledging the crew’s mistakes, yet he quickly shifts focus to encouragement: “Take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” This is the essence of faith — believing God’s word even when everything around you says otherwise.

Paul’s courage stemmed from two truths:

1. He belonged to God: In the storm, Paul remembered that he was not his own. He belonged to a faithful and loving God who had never forgotten him.

2. He served God: Paul knew his purpose was greater than his circumstances. Even in chains, he prayed for the safety of others and shared God’s message of hope.

Paul’s faith didn’t erase the storm; it gave him the strength to endure it. He trusted God’s promise and acted as a leader, encouraging others to do the same. What storms are you facing? Remember, God’s word is trustworthy even when circumstances feel hopeless. Trust in His promises and take heart.

Like Paul, labor in prayer for those around you — believers and non-believers alike. Your prayers can impact more lives than you realize. When you experience God’s peace in your storms, share that hope with others. Your testimony could inspire faith in those struggling to believe.

Identify a promise of God that speaks to your current situation. Write it down, meditate on it, and pray for the faith to declare, “I believe God.” Share this promise with someone who may need encouragement today.

~~~~~

Father God, in the storms of life, when the waves rise high and the winds threaten to overwhelm, remind me that I belong to You. You are the God who speaks peace to the seas and calms the chaos with a word. Help me to trust You completely, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Father, as I face these rough seas, I lift up my heart to You. Please strengthen me and sustain me. Fill me with Your courage when fear presses in and with hope when despair knocks at the door. Let Your Spirit be my guide and my comforter.

I pray especially for my dad, who is in the hospital. Surround him with Your healing presence. Grant the doctors wisdom, steady hands, and clear minds. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard his heart and mine.

Strengthen my faith, Lord, so that I may not only endure this trial but also reflect Your love and encouragement to those around me. Help me to stand firm in the knowledge that You are faithful and that Your promises never fail. Be my anchor, my shelter, and my strength, and may Your name be glorified even in the midst of this storm. No matter if there’s a wreck, I still believe you, God.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

November 22 2024