God’s Word Says….

Acts 27:39-41 (NCV)

³⁹ When daylight came, the sailors saw land. They did not know what land it was, but they saw a bay with a beach and wanted to sail the ship to the beach if they could. ⁴⁰ So they cut the ropes to the anchors and left the anchors in the sea. At the same time, they untied the ropes that were holding the rudders. Then they raised the front sail into the wind and sailed toward the beach. ⁴¹ But the ship hit a sandbank. The front of the ship stuck there and could not move, but the back of the ship began to break up from the big waves.

My Thoughts…..

There are times in our lives when we realize that we are at a crossroads, knowing that if circumstances continue, based on what we see and understand, then we will certainly perish. This story about Paul and the passengers of this fateful ship faced such a challenge. While still out in the dark, deep, rough waters, while it appeared like there could be no possible hope, yet Paul received reassurance from God that no lives would be lost, even though they would lose the very ship that was carrying them. Paul shared this with the sailors and the passengers, and they were forced into the crossroads of believing Paul, or to simply rehearse their last moments on earth. Later, as the ship hit the sandbank and started to break up, I’m sure that a few of the doubters to what Paul prophesied, must have realized how God’s plan was coming together, in spite of their unbelief and doubt. But even at this stage we are told that the ship was still a ways offshore, plus we also know that not all of the passengers could swim, so I could only believe that there was still some panic taking place – a crossroads where they had to decide whether they should place their faith in what Paul shared with them, or jump into the waters that could possibly have led to their death. I believe that this story tells very clearly what happens in our lives, even today. We’ve heard that God can do all things, yet as we look at the circumstances around us we cannot see how our situation could possibly be resolved in a good, positive way. This is also a moment of faith, friend!

Challenge……

Where is your faith, friend? You want to believe, but you need to see and understand how it can, or will happen? Is that faith in an all-powerful and almighty God, or are you depending on man’s abilities and visible, humanly possibilities? God’s ways are not our ways, friend! Faith is believing in things unseen, yet possible through the powerful hand of Jesus. In any relationship, you build faith and trust in the individual that you spend intimate time with. You prove them to be true to their word over time. This is no different in your relationship with God. He will always be true to His Word, but on our behalf, it takes a proven relationship with Him to believe and trust everything that He tells us. We owe it to ourselves to build that kind of relationship with our Savior, friend! The same miracles performed for Paul and the 256 people on board that ship, are very possible in our lives, in all the various circumstances that we find ourselves. This is your moment of faith! Do you believe that your God has the power to perform miracles even today? Build up your faith in Him today, won’t you?

Prayer……

Heavenly Father, the Creator of all things, the Savior of all mankind and the great miracle worker, I am a privileged citizen to be able to approach Your throne with worship, thanksgiving and petitions today. Thank You for being such an awesome God to me over the years, and for showing me time and time again that You are truly God and that I have no reason to doubt You. Unfortunately there are still times when I look at life’s circumstances and feel like they are bigger than anything I or You can handle. I’m ashamed dear Lord of my weakness and lack of faith. Thank You for not giving up on me, and for continuing to speak to me like you did to Job – through the storm (Job 40:6), and like you did to Paul in this passage under review, in the middle of life’s storms when there seems like there is no way through. Lord, You are truly awesome and all-loving and all-caring. Your love goes beyond anything I know of today. I am Your child and I place my faith and trust in You. With my eyes fixed on You I can weather the storms of this life knowing that You are in control and will work all things together for my good. Please touch the hearts of my readers today so that they too may share in this revelation from You! For I ask all this in Your wonderful and precious name, Jesus, my Lord, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.