Shipwrecked? #92

Acts 27:7 We had several days of slow sailing, and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But the wind was against us…v.8 We struggled along the coast with great difficulty and finally arrived at Fair Havens, v.9 We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall,[c] and Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it.

v. 10 “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” v.11 But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. v.12 And since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor—a poor place to spend the winter—most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, farther up the coast of Crete, andspend the winter there.

Acts 7:13 When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. v.14 But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. 15 The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.

v.21 Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. v. 22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. v. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, v.24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ v. 25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. v. 26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” (NLT)

Ever been shipwrecked? Not literally, but figuratively. Paul was on his way to see Caesar and appeal his imprisonment. He foresaw the change in weather, the disaster awaiting the ship, its crew and cargo. Paul warned the officer in charge but received a less than supportive response. As they proceeded the weather began to change and danger haunted their progress.

The sea became so difficult that the crew gave up. Things progressed worse and worse. Paul exhorted the men that they should have listened to him and stayed in Fair Havens. Instead they had chosen to not listen. Now it had become too late. Paul received a word from God through an angel telling him that although they would be shipwrecked, no life would be lost and that they should take courage and believe God.

You have probably been shipwrecked or close to it. Paul’s words are for you. “Listen. Don’t be afraid. Be of good courage. Believe God. You may be in the midst of a shipwreck or just headed into one because you failed to listen to God in the beginning. Don’t ignore the admonition Paul gave the sailors.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

______________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Thank you, thank you for your prayers. My procedure yesterday went well (WED) I anticipate a quick recovery and to be back in the swing of things. I really appreciate all your prayers. For the first time in over a year some of my liver counts are back in the normal range. PRAISE THE LORD!!Keep up the prayers. I am looking forward to doing more ministry. Pray for open doors for both me and Sandy to teach God's word.

I pray God will watch over you and bless you today. You are loved.