Since the captain of the ship didn't listen to Paul not going through the storm, they ended up in the middle of the hurricane in the Mediterranean Sea. In order for them to save their lives, they began to lighten the ship by throwing away their cargo. After many days of strong wind, the people in the boat lost hope and stopped eating. However, God appeared to Paul in the middle of the storm and promised him that no one would die because he must stand trial before Caesar in Rome. After the vision, Paul stood before all the people in the boat to encourage them not to give up hope because God promised they would all survive. On the fourteenth night, they were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. They tested the water's depth and found it was getting shallower. Just before dawn, Paul urged the 275 people on board to eat to regain strength. When they saw the land not long after, they cut their anchor, hoisted the foresail to the wind, and made for the beach. The Roman centurion ordered not to kill the prisoners because he wanted to spare Paul's life. All the people on board began to swim towards the land, and everyone reached the land safely. (Acts 27:27-44).
It must have been a frightening experience to be in a situation where we are helpless and hopeless. How would we handle a situation beyond our understanding and without an answer? Where can we find peace and hope? Some people will try to escape the situation by using alcohol, drugs, and other means. However, as believers of our Lord Jesus Christ, our anchor in life is our God, Himself. He is the God who loves and cares about us and is more powerful than any storm we face. If our Heavenly Father saved us with His only Son, our Lord Jesus, He will keep us and ensure that we will be with Him forever.
If we are facing a difficult situation right now, let us not lose hope but fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him with all our hearts. We may be tempted to give up, but let us not give up. God has our lives in His hands. Before long, we will overcome the storm we face, just like when Paul and the people with him on the boat safely reach the land.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) What should I do when I feel helpless and hopeless in my situation? Do I believe that God is more powerful than the storm of life that I am facing? Do I trust God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for being the anchor of my life, and no matter what happens in my life, you will always be the strength and safety of my soul. I may make mistakes and make wrong decisions in life, but you will keep and restore me to your path. Please give me directions, provision, and wisdom on handling today's difficult situations. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.