Passage of the Day - February 24, 2011

Acts 27:14-26

¹⁴But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo;

 ¹⁵and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along.

 ¹⁶Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship's boat under control.

 ¹⁷After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along.

 ¹⁸The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo;

 ¹⁹and on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands.

 ²⁰Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.

 ²¹When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, "Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss.

 ²²"Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

 ²³"For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me,

 ²⁴saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.'

 ²⁵"Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.

 ²⁶"But we must run aground on a certain island."

It was Paul’s long desire to go to Rome for the sake of the gospel.  However, the path to get there has been fraught with pain, suffering, and disaster.  However, he never lost hope.  Paul was going to Rome as a prisoner, but he still wanted to go to Rome.  Paul showed great faith in this tumult.  This is what it means to be a Christian.  Being a Christian and trusting God doesn’t mean an easy path, but rather a clear, focused, brave, and strong mind and heart to endure and overcome hardship.  Terrible times WILL come, but will fear and despair rule your mind and heart, or will faith and hope?  That will depend on your foundation.

Also, sometimes you have to endure many nightmares before your dreams can come true.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)