Acts 27

You know what the world is dealing with, don't you? News about the coronavirus is everywhere--it seems that every other post on a website I scan daily is about it. We can't escape it. What caused the virus? What's causing the panic? Why such a run on toilet paper? Should the government be giving out money to us to help us weather the storm? What is the Christian's response to be?

Acts 27 gives us a bit of clarity, i think. While thinking and praying about this the other day, that passage came to mind. Paul was under arrest, heading to Rome for trial, aboard a ship that shouldn't have left port. He didn't know what the result of his trial would be--all he knew is that he would BE in Rome, because the Holy Spirit told him.

Yet, there was a storm--two weeks' worth of a storm. Salvation for all aboard the ship was promised, but not in the manner anyone expected. But here's the point I want to make. Paul stood up, gave thanks, broke bread, and ate. The others were encouraged by this and did likewise.

The storm hadn't abated. The ship had to run aground on an island (instead, it stuck on a sandbar). Everyone later had to get to shore as best they could after the ship was breaking to pieces. BUT everyone was saved.

Paul's calmness calmed the panic no doubt all were feeling. Luke records that, after a while, they had all given up hope of being saved--maybe even Luke himself. Again, nothing changed. They had to go through the storm, shipwreck, and swim to safety.

We cannot change the virus. We can pray (we should), We must trust God! Unbelievers are watching us--will we remain calm and without panic in the midst of this storm? Our trusting obedience can not only calm the nerves of others, but can also draw them to the only source of peace in times of trouble. In this world, Jesus says, you WILL have trouble. But take heart, because he has overcome the world.