July 9 devotional

Scripture

Acts 27: 16-20 “We sailed behind a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat that was being towed behind us. Then we banded the ship with ropes to strengthen the hull. The sailors were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor and were thus driven before the wind. The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. The following day they even threw out the ships equipment and anything else they could lay their hands on. The terrible storm raged unabated for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.”

Observation

Ever watch the mover “The Perfect Storm?” Paul lived it. Paul was arrested on false charges in Jerusalem. He was being transported to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. On the ship taking him there, they experienced the perfect storm. It had gale-force winds for many days. They could not see the sun during the day or the stars at night. It was a brutal storm. Did Paul deserve this? What sin did he commit for God to punish him this way? The answer is none. Paul was not arrested for any crime he had committed. Paul was not being punished for any sins he committed. Paul was doing the will of God when he was arrested. Paul was an innocent, Godly man. Sometimes the righteous suffer. Being a believer does not mean you will never experience difficulty. In this case Paul was being transported to Rome where he would get the chance to witness about Jesus to the most powerful people of the day. It was God’s will for Paul to go to Rome and testify about Jesus. I am sure Paul would have preferred for God to transport him a different way!

Application

Am I willing to suffer for the cause of Christ? What am I willing to sacrifice for the expansion of the kingdom of God? Paul was willing to risk his life. Paul laid it all on the line. Today many missionaries are making huge sacrifices and taking great risk for the kingdom. What about me? Am I willing to go through tough times? Am I willing to take kingdom risks? I am willing to stand when I want to run? Will I be faithful when I want to quit?

Prayer

Father, make me tough. I want to be a good soldier in the army of God. I want to be faithful to my calling. I don’t want to whine. I don’t want to complain. I want to be faithful to you. I pledge my allegiance to you. You are the commander. I am a soldier. You are the master. I am the servant. You are Lord over my life. You reign supreme. I submit willingly to you. I want to be who you want me to be. Go where you want me to go. Do what you want me to do.