Bible Reading: Acts 27
Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
Fourteen days the ship was thrashed about blindly in the sea by a massive storm called Euroclydon. They did not know where they were because of the massive wind and all the stars were covered with clouds. They were being transported as prisoners from Israel to Rome. Just at the point when the men were about to give up all hope, Paul came into the midst of them. He had been in prayer and God had sent an angel to Paul to give him a message. It was God’s will that Paul stand before Caesar. God’s message to Paul was that he would be delivered to Rome and God would deliver all those on the ship along with Paul.
As Paul delivered this message to those on the ship, he encouraged their hearts to “be of good cheer”. Then Paul gave a wonderful declaration of faith – I believe God. For Paul, since God said it, that settled it! He believed it would be as it was told him. Paul was exercising faith just like Abraham did.
Romans 4:20-21 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
God made Paul a promise that applied to all those on the ship. Paul was excited to inform them that God was faithful and he believed what God said. Paul’s fear was gone. Now he knew what the outcome would be and because of his faith, he was able to lead others. The decisions that were made from this point on were based on Paul’s message from the Lord.
Another thing is important. From the beginning, Paul’s relationship with the centurion Julius was a good one. He was kind to Paul and before they set sail from fair havens Paul told Julius and the captain that since it was so late in the year he was afraid it would be a dangerous and costly voyage. Julius believed the captain though and they sailed on. However, when the time came to abandon the ship, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so they would not escape. But Julius wanted to save Paul and so he would not allow this to happen. God gave Paul favor in the eyes of this man.
What do we learn? A believer in the midst of unbelievers can become a leader as he believes and follows Christ. Do you believe the Word of God? Does it bring you good cheer even when the circumstances around you are not good?
In Christ,
Rody
