SATURDAY March 2, 2024

Divine Encouragement

“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. However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
Acts 27:23-26

Paul knew that the men on the sea-beaten ship were very afraid. They believed they were going to die––the ship was going down. They felt they would not survive. Paul knew he needed to encourage them as they had lost heart. They were suffering from seasickness, were weary, and had given up all hope.

The Apostle was able to give the desperate men divine encouragement. He shared how the Lord stood by him in the middle of the night. Paul received confirmation that he would stand before Caesar, and God had also granted the lives of all those traveling on the ship. Imagine that! God’s Word is so dependable; it will always come to pass. Paul reassured them, “You are going to be alright!” There was hope. Even though the ship would crash and go down into the sea, the men’s lives would be saved.

Within this passage of Scripture, we see two different types of men––the natural man and the spiritual man. Paul was a spiritual man. He was in-tune with God and was receiving his instructions from Him. The Lord spoke to Paul’s heart; therefore, he knew exactly what to do! On the other hand, those who were natural men, not knowing God personally, were terrified. They were filled with anxiety because they received nothing from God––no direction––no plan––and no comfort.

In the difficulties we face, God reassures us. The real reason He allows distress is to teach us how to depend on Him completely. Again, trust God in the storms of life. In the end, He will come through.

Whenever God begins something, we have the assurance that He will finish it. Nothing will stand in the way of Him accomplishing His purpose in this world and in our lives. What God starts, He finishes, and nobody can hinder Him. Sure, delays will happen. Just remember, God is in charge of the delays as well as the progress.
~Aiden W. Tozer~

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