Paul’s relationship with God enabled him not only to endure fierce storm on the sea, but to encourage the others onboard the ship. “And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 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” (27:22-25). Note three key points:
Paul belonged to God (v. 23). He himself had written to the Corinthians earlier: “. . . you are not your own . . . for you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). Paul described himself as “a (bond)servant of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:1). A bondservant (slave) is owned by someone else. Paul’s owner was the Lord. Liberty-loving people like us cringe at the thought of being owned by anyone! However, the sooner we accept that God owns us, and that this is a good thing, the better off we’ll be.
Paul served God (Acts 27:23). As a slave, Paul’s purpose was to do the will of his master, Jesus. We flinch at the idea of subjecting our own will to anyone else’s! However, we ought to swallow our pride and follow the example of Jesus, Who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). True religion isn’t about doing whatever makes me feel good. First and foremost, we are to serve God. If our hearts are right, faithful service will result in abundant good feelings.
Paul believed God (Acts 27:25). For nearly two weeks the storm had pounded them. They had no idea where they were. “All hope that we would be saved was finally given up” (v. 20). Nevertheless, when God’s messenger told Paul that he and all others aboard the ship would survive, Paul believed it. “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27).
You belong to God. Serve Him! Believe Him! Doing so, you can endure even the worst of times.
