He speaks in the storm
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Acts 27: 20 – 25 (NLT)
Listen
Read
The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. No one had eaten for a long time. 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. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 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.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.
Reflect
I’m sure that many of us over the course and journey of our own lives, will have at some time faced and encountered a range of personal storms of varying degrees. These may have occurred through a work situation, an illness, a sudden death or some other tragedy that has unexpectedly come upon us.
The Scripture tells us that for Paul and the rest of those on board, their situation wasn’t looking good. Moment by moment the day was growing darker, so much so in fact, that they gave up all hope of being saved.
However, in the midst of the storm, it is Paul who stands amongst them and in doing so, brings hope and encouragement through a word from the Lord, that he’d received in the night.
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, “don’t be afraid”. (Acts 27:23-24)
It’s important to recognise, that hearing the word of God and hearing the words of others, can be two totally different things.
It is true that in our current situation, we need the counsel and wisdom of those trusted others around us, as well as the insights and knowledge from various ones who are considered experts or specialists within their fields. However, as followers of Christ, and just like Paul, we also need to be listening out for the word of the Lord, in the midst of the storm.
While many around us may still be somewhat frightened and concerned with the current situation and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, we as God’s people have a wonderful opportunity to bring light in the darkness, faith where there’s fear and calm in the chaos to those ones around us, with a word from the Lord.
As we continue to journey through this Covid-19 season, and remember it is only for a season, I want to encourage you to seek the Lord, spend time with our Father, attune your ear to that of the Spirit, and be ready to receive all that He wants to share, impart and reveal to us, during this time.
Let’s all be listening out for the word of the Lord, in the midst of the storm.
Pray
Father I thank You that You are with us and that you promise to never leave nor forsake us. Thank you for your word that brings hope and encouragement in the midst of dark days.
I ask that You would open both our ears and our hearts to hear what it is that you’re wanting to say during this particular season, and then with great courage and faith, help us to share it with those ones around us.
In Jesus name…Amine.
