Acts 27:14-20, 40-44 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned……So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
Paul was on a ship that was destined to be smashed into pieces. All aboard should have died. At the very least, Paul and the other prisoners were almost put to death before the rest of the ship jumped and swam to shore. But, I saved them. I saved them all from the storm in open seas. I saved them from drowning when the ship smashed to pieces. And I especially saved Paul and the others from being put to death by the ship’s officers. All seemed lost. The storm was stronger than they. The storm was stronger than the ship. The rocks could not be avoided and smashed the ship to pieces. They were panicked – first about the ship crashing, then about drowning, and lastly about the prisoners escaping and leaving them in trouble. But, I intervened in each and every circumstance. Yes, the boat was lost. Yes, the cargo was lost. But not one soul was lost. Not one person died. And, in the end as you remember from this Scripture, the prisoners did not escape but were cooperative and stayed with the ship’s officers until they were rescued.
Things seem overwhelming. Your enemy seems to be winning. All seems futile. You think your Nation, your people will not be brought back. But, I am here. I am still on the throne. I am still God of all. I am with you. Does this mean that everything will be great soon? No. There is much more to the process to come. But, these are battles, child. I win the war. (2021)
Amanuensis 