WEDNESDAY March 6, 2024

Encouraged Hearts

And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
Acts 27:35-38

Notice how bold Paul was. He was faithful to his faith––Christianity. He unashamedly prayed for what food they had to eat. He paid no attention to the terrifying ordeal they were going through, nor was he intimidated by the many desperate men listening to him. His priority at this time was the Lord––to give Him thanks. God took center stage.

Think of the impact Paul’s actions had on those around him. They were encouraged! Those on board the doomed ship saw his faith. Paul was a spiritual leader. Instead of losing his head by anxiousness and fearfulness, he trusted God, knowing He would keep His Word. The men could see that Paul was a person who really knew God! So they did what he said. All two hundred and seventy–six persons took the food and ate.

What about us, especially us men? When our families face terrible situations, are we fearful leaders who are quick to panic? In such times, I believe fathers, as the spiritual leaders of their homes, should gather their families together to pray. Prayer brings calm and redirects people’s attention toward the Lord. The psalmist wrote: I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2). Make God your help! Then your spiritual leadership will encourage your wife and children. You are pointing them to the Lord.

When eating in a restaurant, do you take the lead and pray in public for your food? You should never be ashamed to pray in front of others. Giving thanks to God can be an effective witness to those around you. If people around you do not know the Lord, your example will plant a seed of faith in their hearts.

Ministry need not be an office; it's a lifestyle devoted to attracting the lost to Christ and encouraging other believers in the faith.
~Dwight L. Moody~

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