The ship Paul was sailing on to Rome was wrecked by a powerful storm called a ‘northeaster’. Here are some valuable lessons we can learn from his experience. 1) God can make a bad situation work for our good. Because of this shipwreck, Paul ended up on Malta, and shared the gospel with people who hadn’t heard it before. Plus, when he and his followers left the island, ‘people supplied [them] with everything [they] would need for the trip’ (Acts 28:10 NLT). Sometimes a problem can provide a platform for God to work in ways that’ll amaze us. Our future isn’t in the hands of people, and it never will be. It’s in God’s hands, and what He owns He protects and provides for. 2) We’ll have to sail through storms to reach the destination God’s set for us. Paul said, ‘All hope that we would be saved was finally given up’ (Acts 27:20 NKJV). There’ll be days when we wonder how we’re going to make it, but with God’s grace we will (see Psalm 37:34). 3) Storms reveal how well we know the Lord. Paul said, ‘Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul”’ (Acts 27:23-24 NIV). In difficult times we discover how strong our connection to God is. 4) He can bring success from what looks like failure. Notice two particular things in this story: a) We might have to throw some things overboard to reach our destination (see v.18). b) Despite our best efforts, occasionally we’ll run aground (see v.26). That’s when we must remember what God has promised, believe it, and trust Him.

What Now?

Use the four points in today’s reading to make your own prayer to help you remember that God’s with you in the storms of life.