Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship headed toward Italy. They experienced rough seas on the first leg of their journey just before arriving at Fair Havens. The ship's owner considered spending the winter there, but the weather looked promising, so they made plans to sail the next morning. Paul perceived from the Lord they would suffer great damage and loss if they continued, so he warned them against sailing but to wait for spring. They ignored Paul's warning and sailed anyway right into a terrible storm. Later, as they were about to lose hope, Paul brought a word of encouragement. Paul had been assured by an angel that there would be no loss of life if everyone remained in the ship. After suffering the consequences of ignoring Paul's first warning, their ears were more attentive the second time. The ship did run aground, and it broke into pieces, but not one life was lost as they floated ashore on the broken pieces of the wooden ship. One lesson we can learn from this story is: if we repent of ignoring the word of the Lord and turn in obedience, He will use the broken wreckage caused from our previous disobedience and poor choices to float us safely ashore. And not one life will be lost.

Posted by John Scheda at 2024-03-13 21:49:05 UTC