Acts 27:33-36
Even as our children get older and older, there are times when a storm blows up in the middle of the night and Peggy and I are awakened so that we can offer assurance. When times are troubling it is helpful to have someone whose feet are on the ground, someone clear-headed and calm. This passage from the Book of Acts is near the end of the book. Paul has had a long ministry and has learned to be a great leader in the faith. Even as a prisoner on a ship, a ship in the throes of a storm, Paul was able to help others.
What does Paul want the men to do? What encouragement does he offer? What is important in the way Paul offers the food? What is the result?
The things we look for during a thunderstorm are the same things we look for when life has its storms. When we are fearful or alone it is good to be in the company of someone who can give us a calm perspective, who can reassure us and remind us of our strengths.
That same kind of personality is helpful even when the storms of life are not raging. At times life does not present a tempest, just uncertainty. There are many people who question what will happen in the future. What will I do? How shall I live?
As Christians firm in our faith, we can offer guidance to others. It doesn’t have to be a crisis for you to be that calming, reassuring influence. Simple confidence in the Lord can be a great help to those who do not have that relationship. And more often than not, it is simply your attitude rather than actions or words that impress and influence others.
Paul was firm in his faith. He knew God was with him. Through his attitude he was able to encourage all who were with him, saving them all from destruction. It was not dramatic. There was no pulpit pounding or emotional speech. He simply displayed his own confidence and others followed.
DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you live out your faith so others are inspired by your behavior?
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