Have you noticed how quickly life can change? I’m sure you have. One phone call, one conversation, or one unexpected event can turn your entire day upside down. You may be enjoying a wonderful season of life when suddenly you’re facing something you never expected. I’ve experienced plenty of those moments myself. They stink. They can be frightening, especially when you don’t know what will happen next.
I love Paul’s account in Acts 27. He was traveling to Rome as a prisoner when a terrible storm overtook his ship. For days, the wind and waves hammered them. The sailors did everything they could to survive, but eventually they lost all hope of being saved. Yet right there in the middle of that storm, God sent an angel to encourage Paul.
Acts 27:23–25 (NKJV) “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.”
What a wonderful reminder of God’s faithfulness! I don’t want you to miss why Paul was so confident. He was on that ship because God had a specific calling upon his life. Years earlier, the Lord had called Paul to take the gospel to the Gentiles, and now God was directing him toward Rome.
In Acts 23:11 (NKJV), the Lord had personally encouraged Paul, saying:
“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
What a promise! God had already told Paul that he would testify in Rome. Now, with the ship being bombarded by a terrible storm, Paul was reminded of what the Lord had spoken earlier. The storm was real. The danger was serious. Yet God’s calling upon Paul’s life hadn’t changed.
We need to remember this in our own lives. Sometimes we assume that when we’re following God’s will, things should go smoothly. Yet Paul was faithfully following the Lord and still found himself in a life-threatening situation. His obedience didn’t prevent the storm, and the storm couldn’t prevent God from accomplishing what He had promised.
God had a purpose for Paul’s life, and He would fulfill it. Paul could trust the Lord because he held tightly to God’s promises.
There’s something else in this passage that I don’t want you to miss. Paul described the Lord as “the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.” I love that! Paul knew Who he belonged to, and he knew Whom he was serving. His calling was rooted in his relationship with Jesus.
If you’re born again, you belong to God too. You’re His child. He has saved you, and He has good works prepared for you to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Your life matters to Him. Whatever He’s called you to do, you can trust Him to give you the grace and strength you need to remain faithful.
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Perhaps you’re facing some serious difficulties right now. You’ve been praying and seeking the Lord, trying to be faithful to what He’s allowed in your life. Yet things have become harder than you expected. Maybe you’re questioning whether you heard from God correctly or wondering if you should keep going.
I want to encourage you to stay close to Jesus. Keep going, yes! Continue reading your Bible and spending time with Him in prayer. Remember what He has already shown you through His Word. Seek godly counsel when you need it. Ask the Lord for wisdom to know what obedience looks like today. It’s always too soon to quit.
Paul stood before the frightened sailors and declared:
Acts 27:25 (NKJV) “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.”
I love that statement. Paul believed God. He trusted the Lord to fulfill the promise He had given him. And as Paul continued trusting God, he was able to encourage the people around him.
We need that same confidence in the Lord. We may not receive a personal promise about our circumstances as Paul did, but we have God’s Word. His promises are true. His character is faithful. And He will accomplish everything He has determined to do.
Whatever season you’re in today, remember that God knows where you are. He knows what He’s called you to do. He sees the difficulties you’re facing, and He will help you remain faithful.
Keep loving Jesus. Keep serving Him. Trust Him with the outcome.
I believe God! Believe God with me.
What does the Bible say about Trust?
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV) “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice;Righteous and upright is He.”
Psalm 37:3 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”
Psalm 40:4 (NKJV) “Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”
Psalm 49:12–13 (NKJV) “Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; He is like the beasts that perish. This is the way of those who are foolish, And of their posterity who approve their sayings. Selah”
Psalm 112:7 (NKJV) “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalm 119:41–42 (NKJV) “Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord— Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Isaiah 26:3–4 (NKJV) “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.”
Isaiah 31:1 (NKJV) “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many,And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the Lord!”
Nahum 1:7 (NKJV) “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”
John 14:1 (NKJV) “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
