Paul's Storm

Even the spectacular got dreary after a while. Dark livid waves higher than the mast, wind roaring for days, black clouds roiling and angry. The ship was carried along in a hurricane for 14 days, with no hope, no light, no way of escape.
Paul’s storm in Acts 27 was no small afternoon squall that sent the crew to an island like a first century Gilligan. An experienced sailing team had finally set the ship loose to flow with the storm, unable to drop anchor or fight the raging winds.
Imagine riding with a hurricane for 14 days.
The crew had lost all hope. They knew they’d be dashed by the rocks of opposition.
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
Acts 27:20
In that black bleakness rode Paul. He assured the soldiers, the centurion, the sailors that they would survive this storm. But he did more than hand out happy platitudes. He spoke of salvation. “I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
In the darkness called hopelessness, Paul did not cave to despair. He was focused on his goal, to serve God by telling. And to serve others in the doing.
Paul insisted that the tired sailors – who had not eaten during the storm – get some food because they would need it to survive. He broke bread and gave thanks in front of them. He pointed them to Jesus in every action and response.
Paul could have slunk to a far corner of the ship and tried to stay dry. He could have complained about his lousy fate and how God had failed him. He could have whined a thin “I told you so” to those who had ignored his advice.
He chose to represent Jesus, bringing hope and courage to those in despair. He didn’t say a word about soaked clothes or stale bread. He shined with faith.
Know anybody in a hurricane? Maybe you’re in one yourself. Maybe the waves look devastating and you haven’t seen the sun in many days.
Find a Paul. Be a Paul. Have faith in God’s protection. You may survive the storm – or you may not – but no hurricane can separate us from God’s presence. Paul knew that and he was bold to share the vision with others.
Be a Paul. Stand strong in the storm.
They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Acts 27:36