“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 10 “ Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbour was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbour in Crete facing both southwest and northwest. 13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.” Acts 27:9-20 NIV
Lord of Heaven and earth,
The majority, decided with the pilot and ship owner, they should sail on. Why take the advice of a landlubber and prisoner? Reading this passage i can almost hear the wind and waves. The ship was driven along, OK lets go with it. Lifeboat on side not safe brought aboard. Might be useful. better not lost. OK good idea. Danger of sandbars, so the crew passed ropes under the ship to hold it together. Not easy to do in a storm! Bit worrying. An anchor was thrown out at back to stop the ship broadsiding the waves and being swamped. That’s a worry. Then the cargo is being thrown overboard. That means even the pilot is worried. Storm still raging and it is as dark as night after many days. Now it is said. They gave up hope of being saved. Sometimes we can think we are trusting in You till we really get out of our depth.
I am not good in rough seas and I remember being on an Isle of Man ferry which could not dock because the sea was too rough. We were hours and almost everyone suffering nausea and sickness. I did not think we would sink but it went through my mind and I did consider however fleetingly how I would feel if this was my last day on this earth. But it was not the end of the story for Paul either. You allowed him to finish what he started and give his testimony and peach in Rome.
Do we still have things we want to achieve for You God, whatever our age or circumstance? Or are there no storms as we are just drifting along in our faith not being on active service? Give us meaning, purpose and direction. And hold off on the storms please.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 11th December 2025
Your eye is on the sparrow
And Your hand, it comforts me
From the ends of the Earth to the depth of my heart
Let Your mercy and strength be seen
You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demand
Chorus:
And I will run to You, to Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God
Yes, I will run the race, ’till I see Your face
Oh let me live in the glory of Your grace.
You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demand
Chorus Repeat . . .
Lyrics: Darlene Zschech