RTW December 5
Surviving The Shipwreck
But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.
Acts 27:22
My Takeaways
Something Old
Shipwrecks are not planned. They are completely unexpected.
It’s what we do with our lives prior to the shipwreck that will help us survive its vigor and violence.
Something New
Paul recognized the angel of the Lord.
Paul believed the message of his deliverance.
Paul knew God’s promise (of going to Rome).
Something to Do
Plan for the unexpected by intimately knowing the Savior of the shipwreck.
My Takeaways: Facing The Storms In Life
Something Old: Acts 27:24 “And he said, don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.” God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Isn’t this just how God treated Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, etc.? Paul has a promise based faith; so it is natural for him to respond in a faith based way. “So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.”
Acts 27:25.God still makes promises to me today that I may pray over and watch Him carry out. I come to know Him more intimately when I stay in the word and see God do what only God can do.
Something New: What a contrast between the “Old Saul” and the “New Paul” in his actions as he takes charge as a leader. He encourages all the passengers, takes charge of their physical needs and broke bread, what a changed leader! What an impact he had on the many passengers. They listened. These storms gave Paul the perfect opportunity to minister to every person on board! If I were in this situation I would probably view the situation as terrible andinconvenient. Paul did not. He used the situation to express the difference that Christ can make in one’s life.
Something To Do: Believe in a God of providence, knowing that He arranges situations for a purpose. Google and listen to Laura Story’s song “Blessings.”
I listened to the song you suggested and loved it! I also like the one called Grace.
I listened to Grace and loved it too.
I’m old enough to know that there WILL be storms and shipwrecks in life. I am so grateful for my faith in God because that’s what keeps me afloat during those difficult times. God gives us HOPE. We may be shipwrecked, but we won’t lose our lives!
Very encouraging to learn that we don’t have to sink in the shipwrecks of our lives. This teaching brought to mind the scripture that tells us to always be ready and to keep our lamps lit, not only in preparation for life’s crises, but also for the coming of Jesus.