I enjoy watching the sea during a storm, but only from the land! I have never been at sea during a terrible storm. But Paul was, while in a large sailing ship with 275 others on the Mediterranean Sea. A terrible storm wrecked their sailing ship, and threatened all their lives!
Maybe you are finding the journey of life to be like sailing through a storm! If so, you will be glad to hear this good news.
The sailors had pulled up anchor to sail along the coast of Crete towards Phoenix. (Acts 27:12-13.) Some of the passengers were Roman soldiers travelling with prisoners they were taking to Rome. One or those prisoners was the Apostle Paul! Jewish leaders had succeeded in having him arrested, to keep him from preaching that Jesus Christ was the only Saviour for mankind. (Acts 13:37-47.)
A storm quickly forced them far from the coast. With some difficulty they managed to make the ship’s life-boat secure … and “they passed ropes under the ship to hold it together.”. (verses 16-17.) The ship was in danger of breaking up. “They lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along.” The violent storm continued, so, “they began to throw cargo overboard.” (verses 17-19.)
For many days they could not see the sun or the stars, and the wind kept blowing very hard. They finally gave up all hope of being saved. (verse 20.)
Maybe at some time you will find “life” for you to be like a storm-tossed journey! You might feel that you are losing much, and getting nowhere! But, don’t give up hope. There is great news for you about the journey of life, and the final harbour.
Paul said to the helpless passengers and crew, “Keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God.” He had good reason for saying that. Paul belonged to, and worshipped God; and God had sent an angel to him with this message: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar (in Rome). And God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (verses 22-24.) God was offering free travel assurance to all who made the journey with Paul!
But, did YOU know that God still promises free travel assurance for the journey of “life”? All who will travel this life trusting God’s Son to be their Saviour will be SURE of getting to God, and Heaven. (John 6:38-40. Colossians 1:27. Romans 5:1-2.) Yet very many people refuse God’s assurance, and they seek their assurance for eternity in or through other people, or by religious exercises. God’s Word says there is salvation in no one else but Christ Jesus! (Acts 4:12. Galatians 2:16.) There is absolutely no assurance to be had through any other person, or any religion.
So, make sure your hope and trust are in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the ONLY assurance for getting safely through this storm-tossed life to God and Heaven. (John 14:1-6.)
Read chapter 27, verses 14-25.
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