Tag: shipwrecked
The Reality of following Jesus
Scripture reading for August 12: 2 Corinthians 11
“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-28
Often in today’s world, we seek to win people to follow Christ by telling them how God wants them to be rich, happy, and blessed. But Paul described in detail the suffering he had endured in following Jesus’ command to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He wasn’t seeking sympathy or trying to warn those he had shared the Gospel with by reciting his troubles. He was really ‘boasting’ in his weakness and proclaiming how Christ’s power and presence had brought him through all these difficulties. (2 Corinthians 11:30)
The false apostles had pointed to these things in Paul’s life as a sign that God was not with Paul. People had sometimes misunderstood him and his life of suffering. Paul was a Jew, but suffered beatings from the hands of his own people as he shared Christ’s love and desire for their salvation with them. In following God, Paul was shipwrecked three times and almost lost his life. He had a right to be supported by the believers, but he worked with his own hands to support himself and his ministry team. He was sometimes hungry and thirsty and without proper shelter. But behind all this, Paul walked in faith that Jesus was with him in his assignment to care for the churches he had helped found. In his weakness, Paul found the strength of Jesus sufficient for every hardship.
Have you ever had to suffer as a result of living for Jesus or preaching the Gospel? How does this account of Paul’s suffering change your world view of being a Christ follower? Is your weakness something you have ever ‘boasted’ about?
Prayer: Father God, I find it hard to think about my weakness. I have been taught to be strong and our culture rewards strength. Thank You for sustaining Your people in times of persecution, through life’s shipwrecks, beatings, hunger and thirst. I am weak and need Your daily supply. Amen.
Ship-wrecked, Snake-bitten, God-directed!
Scripture reading for November 17th: Acts 27-28
Do you really believe that God can cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him? (Romans 8:28) Today, we read about events in Paul’s journey to Rome for trial before Caesar. These events were dangerous, exciting, and could have been fatal. But God worked them for good and His purposes stood through all the trouble! Be encouraged today as you read!
The trip from Caesarea to Rome was nearly 2000 miles by ship. It was decided that Paul would travel by a Roman navy ship in the fall season when travel in that direction was more difficult. As they made their way north, the centurion in charge of the prisoners, Julius, gave special favor to Paul by allowing his friends to minister to his needs. (Acts 27:1-3) As travel became more difficult, Paul warned the centurion and crew of impending danger and possible loss of life. They ignored Paul’s advice and sailed on. A great storm hit the ship and tossed it around for days. The crew threw the cargo overboard and after more days of battering, all gave up hope of being saved. (Acts 27:20)
Paul, again directed with a word from the Lord, encouraged the crew and passengers. He told them that an angel of God had given him a word, “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.” The ship would be destroyed but God would spare the passengers and crew! God is so merciful and His purposes will stand, no matter what trouble befalls us! All 276 men on board made it safely to shore when they followed Paul’s advice! (Acts 27:42-44)
As if the shipwreck and storm were not enough of a trial, Paul was warming himself over a fire on the beach after swimming ashore. Suddenly, a viper jumped from the fire and fastened itself on Paul’s hand. (Acts 28:1-6) Paul quickly shook the snake off into the fire and no swelling or death occurred. This opened the islanders to Paul’s message and he began to minister to those present with miracles of healing! God placed him on this island of Malta for three months to minister the Gospel to those there!
When you are committed to God, life takes on a new quality of supernatural direction and hope. God truly does work all things for His will! We can go through shipwrecks, storms, and even snake-attacks and trust that all works out for our good and His glory! What an exciting supernatural life! Are you ready for today’s episode in your life?