Believe God

Text: Acts 27

Theme: Paul heard from God and that gave him and others courage.

Key verses: “When the time came, we set sail for Italy” (v. 1). “We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it. ‘Men,’ he said, ‘I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on–shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.’ But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul” (v. 9-11). “The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You could have avoided all this damage and loss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island” (v. 20-26). “Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. ‘You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,’ he said. ‘Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.’ Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat–all 276 of us who were on board” (v. 33-37). “The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land. The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely to shore” (v. 42-44).

What God said to me: Good morning, Dwayne. How do you like waking up in Zambia? You know I have blessed you with these opportunities to travel and minister, don’t you? It is me alone who has shown grace on you to lead you along and connect you with some of my choice servants. For example, I made it happen for you and Mitchell and Carol to meet up in Chongwe this week. That wasn’t an accident. That was my sovereign plan in play. They are to play a strategic role in Life Camps going forward. Just you watch and see how I will bring you everyone and everything you need to accomplish this purpose of mine. Dwayne, what you must do is listen and obey. Take Paul, for instance. In this story, my “angel” appeared to him and told him all was going to be OK. This angel might not have looked much different than a regular person. But Paul knew how to discern my voice. He knew what was being spoken through that angel was indeed my words to him. You must also be discerning and sensitive to when I speak. I might send you an angel, or I might speak directly to you through my written Word. I might use a circumstance like a great storm in your life to demonstrate my power and ability to keep you safe and sound. I had a greater purpose for Paul than dying in some shipwreck. I have a greater purpose for you as well. Follow me. Trust me. Honor me in everything you do and say. Then watch me bless your goings in and goings out. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am with you even to the ends of the earth. Go where I tell you. Don’t hesitate or question my wisdom and direction. Do due diligence to work through the board of directors that I put in place for you. Listen to this group of godly people who love you and your ministry. Consider the concerns and feedback of your wife and other close confidants. But at the end of the day, believe in me and in what I have told you. Keep yourself in good shape. Eat well. Exercise. Do the things that are smart and advisable for your health. But don’t worry about your heart or your health. I made you. I’ve got you. I’ll keep your heart ticking for as long as it takes to fulfill your mission. Take courage! Everything I have planned for you will come to pass.

What I said to God: Thank you, Lord, for loving me and showing Your mercy and grace on my life. You are a good, good Father. You are a strong and mighty Master. You are my best friend. I believe God! I’m grateful to say I know God. Wow, imagine that. I get to hang out with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I get to do life with You, my Lord. Please forgive me when I take our relationship and sweet fellowship for granted. May I never approach Your throne with anything less than humble reverence and awe. You know I’m not looking forward to the Asia tour later this year. And yet, I know I’m supposed to go. I know You have given us tremendous opportunities there to spread Your gospel and teach about true, lifestyle worship. May we (I) be obedient to trust and obey. May I take courage! I pray that same prayer over our Board and families.