FRIDAY March 1, 2024

Heartfelt Encouragement

But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.”
Acts 27:21-22

As the men on the ship struggled to survive, in the back of the Roman centurion’s mind was what he needed to do in the case of shipwreck. If it became every man for himself, and they jumped overboard to try and reach shore, he would have to follow Roman protocol. All the prisoners would have to be killed, including Paul, to ensure that none escaped. If that happened, Julius knew he would have to pay with his very own life.

Even though a prisoner, Paul began to step up and take charge of the situation. At first, he reiterated that they should have listened to him; they should not have sailed! With their full attention, he counseled them to take heart and not worry––there would be no loss of life! Can you imagine talking to a group of desperate men who believed the ship was going down? But perhaps, knowing he was right the first time when they did not listen to his counsel, and considering the dire circumstances they were now in, made them listen to him intently; their lives depended on his wise counsel.

There are times when you will be called upon to take a leadership role, especially in a life-threatening situation. When people around you are panicking, your leadership will be needed to bring calm and courage to the fainthearted. A man or woman who is constantly in the Word of God and in prayer is equipped to help others take heart. Your encouragement can instill in them courage and hope. It will spur them on so they can persevere through any storm they face.

Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. God's love is still working. He comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love.
~Eric Liddell~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!