Gods Presence in the Storm: Acts 27:20-26
“20) Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned. 21) When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22) Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23) For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24) saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25) Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26) But we must run aground on a certain island.”” Acts 27:20-26
When the world comes to the end of hope, the Christian stands in peace being assured of the presence and protection of God. Such was the case with Paul. God was not done with him yet. He assured him that he had to testify in Rome as well.
Read the text very carefully. God granted Paul the lives of all were with him on the ship because of the favor and protection that surrounded Paul. This is a powerful concept. Many non-Christians have been miraculously protected by being in the presence of Christians and their guardian angels during times of danger.
This text exemplifies the role of guardian angels. The angel that spoke to Paul also ensured his safe arrival in Rome. Hebrews 1:14 says; “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” Angels are on assignment in multiple ways in this world, and one of those is to provide protection. Gods Sovereignty and Divine protection surrounds Christians until their work on earth is done.
I have growing faith in Jesus Christ as my protector. When I step on an airplane, I pray for divine protection and enjoy my flight knowing I am safe in the bosom of God. I recognize my protection covers all on the plane with me.
I refuse to live or walk in fear. When the time for my heavenly promotion comes, there isn’t any power on earth that is going to hold me back! My only prayer is that I depart in a way that brings maximum glory to God.
However, the opposite is also true. Everyone on the ship with Jonah became a partaker of Jonah’s storm of discipline. They had to remove Jonah from the ship to save themselves. The storm was aimed at Jonah. As soon as they removed him, it became perfectly calm for those on the ship.
This is why during times of discipline for the rebellious and backsliding Christian, Gods Word warns us to distance ourself physically. (See Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13) He does not want us to share in their discipline.
This story in Acts 27:20-26 should impart peace and bold confidence in every believer. It screams that God is in control during the storms in our lives.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
