I opened Acts 27 at random. My eyes locked on the beginning of verse 13, “The Storm.”

 

As I was reading, I was imagining what it actually felt like at that time to be caught in a hurricane-type wind for days in the middle of an ocean.

 

There was intense panic over the men.

 

They began to throw cargo off the ship and refused to eat due to the intense emotions of believing they were going to die; all hope was lost.

 

The storm continued to rage.

 

After days of panic and no food, Paul, their prisoner, stood before them with a promise He received from God’s messenger: “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 whom I belong to and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Cesar; 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.” (21-25)

 

Fourteen days had passed, and the men panicked once again. Paul reminded them of the promise and encouraged them to eat and be strengthened for the journey up ahead.

 

Just before dawn, Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. -Acts 27:33-36 (NIV) 

 

Paul’s confidence in the Lord during the storm encouraged and strengthened those around him.

 

I’ve been through many storms. Some have lasted several days, some years, and some have yet to cease, but my confidence remains in the Lord.

 

The storm will come to an end.

 

And His promises will happen, just as He told me.

 

If you are going through a storm, I want to encourage you as Paul did — keep up your courage, our God is faithful.

 

Stand firm in your faith, declaring the promises of God, not only will you encourage yourself in the Lord — your faith will strengthen those around you.