Ken's Daily Devotional

10-26-05

Do you find it comforting to stand on God's promises when things are going your way? I love it when God blesses me that way. Standing on God's promises are sometimes difficult to do when times are demanding. It is even more wearisome when you're on a ship at sea as Paul was. Andrew Templeton shares with us a devotion about the Apostle Paul on a ship on his way to Rome.

Standing on God's Promise

The storm lasted for quite sometime. The men were undoubtedly tired, exhausted, hungry and scared. They did not know what might happen and were unable to tell where they were. They were lost at sea and fearing the worst. But Paul remained steadfast and was at total peace because of his nearness to God. God's presence is full of joy and peace that passes all understanding. The men did not understand this peace or courageousness, but they recognized it enough to listen to him and take instruction from him. Imagine Roman soldiers taking the guidance and orders of a Jewish prisoner. This was not a typical act on their behalf, but they saw something in him that prompted them to put away past thoughts, standards and opinions that they may have a chance at life.

In the midst of everything was a promise that Paul made when he said, "Not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed" (Acts 27:22, NIV). In today's passage, the sailors were attempting to take matters, or fate as it were, into their own hands. They devised a plan that according to Paul was outside of the will of God and would exclude them from the promise of a saving life that Paul spoke of earlier. Paul says if these men go forward with this plan they cannot be saved. At first glance, this seems to contradict the promise made in verse 22; but it should be observed that what God promises is often conditioned with the people's responsibility to be obedient to the will of God.

We must be a people of obedience to receive all of the promises that God has made to us. Obedience is certainly a virtue. Paul says that the acts of the sinful nature include discord, selfish ambition, dissensions and factions; all of which are results and characteristics of disobedience. Likewise, Paul says that the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, goodness, faithfulness and kindness; all of which are results and characteristics of obedience.

It is imperative that we seek to obey the laws of God. In order to reap the benefits of His blessings and promises, we need to be a people of the Spirit who seek to hear the words of the Lord and obey them. Storms will come. Shipwrecks will happen. But, in all things keep your eyes fixed on the One who will keep you from death, who will protect you and who will deliver you from the one who seeks to destroy you. Place your faith in Christ and obey Him!