2022_11_04 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Acts 26 & 27
I have read through Acts chapter 27 many times this week enjoying the account of Paul’s epic voyage towards Rome. Luke gives us details of the perilous journey Paul took on board a grain ship that was caught by a storm. This was not just any storm. The life-threatening sea conditions lasted more than two weeks. Here is an excerpt:
“We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ships tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither stars nor sun appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”
There were 276 people on board the ship and none of them could get off. They had given up all hope of surviving this journey, but God has another plan. He entrusts the lives of the passengers and crew to Paul and tells them that the boat will not survive, but that they will.
As always, this scripture gives us plenty of room for life application.
Reflect for a moment on your own situation.
Is there a storm that you are weathering? Or does your storm feel less severe and more like choppy waters? How long has this been going on? Have you been able to be honest with God and asked Him if its time yet get off the boat?
How is your hope? Have you given up all hope, like those in the story of Acts 27? What do you need from God to be encouraged and strengthened for this ongoing journey?
May God meet you exactly where you are today and show you his loving kindness.
Prayer of Hope and Refuge-Thomas a Kempis
Ah, Lord God, Holy Lover of my soul, when you come into my soul, all that is within me will rejoice. You are my glory and the exultation of my heart. You are my hope and refuge in the day of my trouble. Set me free from all evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections, cure and cleanse me within, that I may be made fit to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere.
In Jesus name.
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead