“The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.” (Acts 27:20, NLT)
First Century travel was nothing like travel today. When we plan a trip, we have numerous options. We can drive, take a train, book a flight, or, for some locations, take a ship. When Paul and his companions traveled, not for vacations but for evangelism, their two primary modes of travel were walking and cargo ships. (Passenger ships as we know them did not exist.) It is estimated that Paul traveled over 10,000 miles during his ministry.
In those days, ship travel was risky and shipwrecks frequent. Paul knew this from personal experience. In II Corinthians 11:25 he says this had happened to him during previous travels. “Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep.”
This current trip was not a vacation. Nor was it a visit to encourage the churches scattered throughout the region. In Roman protective custody for two years, the Jewish council wanted Paul returned from Caesarea to Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, Paul claimed his right to an appeal before Caesar and was now being escorted by soldiers to Rome.
A RISKY DECISION
Ships sailed on no set schedules, but May to September were the safest months for travel. Because Paul’s ship had experienced so many delays, it was now October. Despite the risks, the captain decided to set sail anyway.
We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it. “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. (Acts 27:9-11, NLT)
Paul’s warning was ignored, but it soon became a reality. A fierce storm relentlessly battered the ship for many days, and those onboard lost all hope of survival. But Paul felt an assurance that others did not. An angel of God had appeared to him with a message. Although the ship would be lost, every life would be spared.
“Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.” (Verse 24, NLT)
Although the situation still looked grim, Paul declared, “I believe God” (verse 25). They were still in for a very rough time, but God was in control of their situation.
About midnight some of the seaman sensed they were near land and decided to lower a small boat to try for shore. But Paul warned that they must stay with the ship to be saved. This time they listened and lived. Just as God had said, the ship broke apart but all 276 souls reached shore safely.
DON’T LOSE HOPE
When strong winds blow and life’s storms rage around us, it is easy to give in to fear and feel hope slip away. Like the sailors on Paul’s ship, we may decide to “head for shore” on our own. Our safety, however, is found in God. No matter the strength of the storm, God is the Master of the storm. We can find hope in the darkest midnight hour when we place our confidence in Him. Stay in the ship! You will be safe there.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 43:5, ESV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
