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PROMISED PLACE
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 28
Acts 27:1-44

2 Corinthians 11:25-27

“…thrice I suffered shipwreck,
a night and a day
I have been in the deep…”
PROMISED PLACE
 
The Lord had told Paul that he would reach Rome. Nevertheless, the means and the manner of going there were not up to him. As servants of God, we have to submit to whatever arrangements the Lord has for us. It may not be smooth sailing but God will see us through to reach our God-assigned destination.
 
As a prisoner: Paul knew, even before this trip, that he must go to Rome. The Lord personally told him that he must bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11). So when the time came for their journey to Italy, he was not surprised, nor reluctant. Though a prisoner, he enjoyed the liberty to visit the brethren. He was eager to meet and edify the Christians in any and every place they passed through.
 
As a leader: Paul, by God’s wisdom, admonished the centurion and ship owner with what God had foreordained to happen on their journey. The people in-charge did not believe him, and that was a testimony against them. Indeed, a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon arose and crossed their path. Paul saw the disaster they would be facing, so much so that they unloaded some of their cargo. Moreover, the surroundings were very dark and further gave them trouble and distress. They were also hungry and tired. Most of them were already afraid and discouraged but not Paul who assumed leadership in that situation.
 
Paul exhorted his companions to be of good cheer. Though it was a seemingly fearful and disturbing situation, Paul encouraged them to be calm. An angel of God appeared and told him that not one among the crew and prisoners would die. The Lord guided them to locate a creek with a shore and allowed them to manoeuvre the ship towards it. The ship ran aground and the front part stuck fast into the sand preventing the vessel from overturning.
 
The Lord’s protecting and guiding hand upon Christians is obvious in times of calamities. Can you recognise it?
 
THOUGHT: Do I fear natural disasters will affect my livelihood?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the courage to face life’s calamities.

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