God Is Always Working
Pastor Scott McDermott
Do you realize that God is already working in situations around you? He is! Sometimes it is just hard to see. Imagine how Paul must have felt. The year is now 60 AD as Paul sets out on his voyage to Rome. Sailing north along the coast to Asia Minor, they make their way west before boarding an Alexandrian ship in Myra headed to Rome. As they arrived in Crete it was now after “the Fast” or the Day of Atonement. Jewish tradition discouraged travel on the Mediterranean from the Feast of Tabernacles (October) to Pentecost (April). The Romans considered the sea closed from October/November to March. (Fitzmeyer, Acts of the Apostles p. 775) Whether Paul’s discomfort with continuing the voyage is due to uncertain weather conditions on the Mediterranean or a prophetic warning of sorts, we do not know. What we do know is that they continued to sail along the southern shore of Crete looking for a good harbor to spend the winter (vv. 9 – 12)
It was then that the ship became caught up in a northeaster that swept them across the open sea far away from the intended winter haven. Even storms can’t keep God from showing up. Somewhere in the midst of the 14 days Paul receives another angelic visitation. This time the angel reminds Paul of God’s promise for his life and the lives of those on board the ship. “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”. (v. 24) Even in the midst of life’s storm, God has a word for us. Storms may take us off course from our short-term intended goal, but they will not keep us from God’s intended destination. Seizing the moment, Paul uses this prophetic word as an opportunity to speak words of encouragement into the weary crew and passengers around him. “I have faith in God” Paul tells them. They will make it, but their ship must run aground. As the storm eased, Paul broke bread with them, gave thanks, and “they were all encouraged”. (vv. 35-36) When daylight came they spotted land and made it safely to the shore.
When Paul began the journey he was a prisoner, but by the end of the storm, he was looked to for his wisdom and guidance. Storms do that. They elevate God’s people and give them opportunity to speak God’s truth into any circumstance. God is always working, especially in those places where you least expect it.
Prayer: Lord, you are stronger than any storm. Your voice can be heard over the loudest distractions. Speak to your people in their storms and use the storms of life to show your greatness.
