Acts 27
Let’s begin by considering the witness of one who’s Faith was put on trial. What was his testimony in the midst of a dark impossibility?
I add narration in order to depict the scene through amplification.
What was said when darkness was closing in?
Was an obituary put together, for everyone aboard with him? Did he throw in the towel, use his garment for a shroud, or did he look to the word of God, before he spoke out loud?
Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
The Apostle was on board a ship headed for Rome. He had previously told the captain, that he had perceived, that the voyage would be with much danger, and damage to the ship and their lives would be in jeopardy. But the captain was unwilling to listen, and set out. At first it seemed that everything would go well, however they encountered such a storm that they had to let the ship drive. Let’s back up a little and see the very situation they found themselves in:
Acts 28:18. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19. And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 20. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. 21. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
Now here’s what I’d like you to consider. Paul was a servant of the Almighty God. God obligated himself to him, even though like Elijah, Paul was ready to give his for his life brethren that stumbled at the knowledge of Christ. That’s why he was on his way to Rome, for his testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet God dispatched an Angel with a message of deliverance, not only for Paul but for everyone aboard the ship. Paul leaned hard on the integrity of God’s word. Then he turned and encouraged everyone on board. And every word that the Angel spoke came to pass. For the Angel said in Acts 27:24 “ Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Then Paul affirmed that he believed God. He told them to cheer up and eat something. Paul goes on to say in Acts 27:26, howbeit or however, we must be cast upon a certain Island. Then we pick up the story again in Act 27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42. And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44. And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to lands. Friends I rest my case. Could any thing be any darker then this? Now gather your strength once again. Go back to the word, it’s integrity will persevere you. For the very same integrity that was demonstrated for Paul, will buoy you up, and prevent your fall.
On the third day of a fourteen day storm oh, what shall you do? Could it be that his example here was pinned to help you through?
“Be of good cheer, are you serious, this man has lost his mind, “you don’t laugh when things are going wrong, thats offensive, that a crime! Why would he suggest to me take courage be of good cheer? Battan down the hatches men, the end is drawing near!! “
The report you choose in the dead of night, will bring you through to victory and Protect your life. Lean hard on the integrity of God’s word.