September 8

Storms of Life

"Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. ...Paul stood up and said, "...But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed." Acts 27:14, 21, 22.

The hurricane Paul spoke of in Acts 27 hit unexpectedly and very suddenly. It hit with such great intensity that all thought they were lost. The crew threw overboard all cargo that was not needed and finally even their tackle. For days they endured the storm and finally they gave up all hope of being saved. But God had other plans. Eventually all were saved, but as Paul predicted, the ship was beyond repair. Have you ever faced a hurricane in your life, a trial of such intense proportions that you felt battered and without hope? Perhaps the Lord was using this experience to strip away from you all that is unnecessary in your life. Storms have a way of doing that, helping you to readjust your priorities and to reevaluate what is of value in your life. The more intense the storm, the less value you put on your earthly possessions and the more value you put on your family. Sometimes the things we think we need, we find out are really not necessary. God will strip away from us all that is hindering us from a more intense relationship with Him. Paul left the island of Crete with no earthly possessions, but he left the ship with a stronger trust and confidence in God. This stronger relationship with his Father would sustain him when he found himself a short while later in prison in Rome. The storm proved to be a blessing to Paul, though I am sure he did not view it that way while he was in the midst of the intense winds and billowing waves. God took Paul's fears and turned them into trust and confidence in Him, that's what a hurricane can do. Next time you find yourself in the midst of a storm, remember to "keep up your courage" because your Father will not allow you to be lost.

Father, help us to see you in the midst of the storms of life. Keep our focus on you and all that you have to teach us. Let us hold lightly the things of this earth, so that when the hurricanes of life strip them away we can see your hand in it. Help us to find in you all that we need. But most of all let us feel your arms holding us close while our world is falling apart, and help us realize you will never allow anything to separate us from you. Amen