Our God is Trustworthy!

The words in today’s reading were spoken by the Apostle Paul, who was caught up in violent storm, out at sea. The situation that he, his fellow prisoners, his Roman captors and the sailors found themselves in was desperate. The storm had raged for many days and everyone had given up hope of ever being saved. It truly was a miserable situation until God sent an angel to speak to Paul. The message was ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you’ (Acts 27:24). Paul not only knew that the message was from God, but he also believed that what God said would happen, and with this conviction, he comforted a boat load of terrified men (275 of them to be exact!). Faith says thank you to God even before the answer is manifested in the physical realm. As so beautifully expressed in the book of Hebrews, ‘faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1). Paul was a man of faith, who knew God had a proven track record and thus could be trusted to do what He said He would do.

I wonder what storm you’re experiencing in your life right now. Perhaps it’s a financial storm, a relational storm, or life is just overwhelming you with its unexpected twists and turns. In the midst of your storm God wants to speak. Once you’ve heard His voice, you need to activate your faith – your belief, trust and confidence in God! Unbelief, fear and doubt cause us to concentrate on the wind and the waves until our hearts begin to tremble and despair. Faith however rises up, despite the circumstances and proclaims, ‘The God whose I am and whom I serve has spoken and I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me’ (Acts 27:23-25).

Perhaps you’re wondering what happened to the Apostle Paul and his companions. Did they survive the storm or were they all drowned at sea? I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to read the end of the book of Acts to find out. As you do, allow God to speak to you. The same God whom the Apostle Paul knew and served is also our God. Actually let me rephrase that last statement. The same God that the Apostle Paul knows and still serves is our God, for He’s not the God of the dead but of the living (Luke 20:38).

Prayer: Father God, You know what’s happening in my life right now. Nothing is hidden from you. I choose to believe that You’re with me and You’re bigger than any storm that comes against me. I have faith that You’re a faithful, trustworthy God who always keeps His promises. Amen.