Courage in the Storm

27Aug
Since much time had been lost and sailing was now dangerous, because even the Fast had already gone by, Paul advised them, saying, ‘Sirs, I can see that the voyage will be with danger and much heavy loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.’ But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. Since the harbor was not suitable for spending the winter, the majority was in favor of putting to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, where they could spend the winter. It was a harbor of Crete, facing south-west and north-west.

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and thereby avoided this damage and loss. I urge you now to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For last night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.” So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we will have to run aground on some island.’
-Acts 27:9-12, 21 - 24


While we enter midway through this account of Paul’s sea voyage as winter is approaching Crete. Despite not having the full context, it is apparent that Paul’s warnings have been ignored by the Roman centurion. Even as hunger and destruction loom, Paul tells those on board of having been reassured by an “angel of the God to whom I belong and I worship,” that although those onboard will suffer material losses, they will all survive.


I have lived in a state of high anxiety this past year, yet as I read this, I think how small my troubles have been. Imagine the courage Paul needed to stand up to authority, persist in warning others in the face of being ignored, and to endure the breakup of the vessel on which he is sailing. The latter seems especially horrifying. Can I take enough love from each Sunday service to replenish my own courage as I face growing old without my beloved husband? Can I ask my children for their time and attention without making them feel that I am ready to throw in the towel? Do I have the courage to express myself to others honestly and respectfully? I want to claim the courage that Paul had, courage that grew out of his worship of and faith in God.


Musical Reflection - Brave - Sara Bareilles


Dear God, I want to face each day with courage and faith. Please help me set aside my anxieties and focus on facing challenges with humor, grace, courage. I ask this already grateful for the many blessings you have provided in this life. Amen

FaithNew TestamentAuthorityBlessingPentecost

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