Acts 27:33-37 (NIV)
Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board.
Those on the voyage with Paul soon learned that his word could be trusted. It soon became perilous as he had foretold. This time when Paul spoke, most of those on board believed what he said. And so, because they did, no-one perished. And Paul made sure that everyone knew that it was God who was in control. What a testimony came out of turmoil. Paul was not exempt from the storm and its effects, but he trusted God through it all, and those on board with him could see his faith was real. He lived as he believed.
Our circumstances, however difficult, are part of our testimony for God. When the going gets tough do people still see us trusting and believing God? That’s when our testimony really counts!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for proving that You love us so much that in the midst of our turmoil You speak to us. Help me to trust You in every circumstance, so that in my testimony, Your goodness and grace is seen and You are glorified. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.