OUR INFLUENCE GROWS IN HOW WE FACE STORMS
The Roman officer in charge of getting Paul and the other prisoners to Rome showed great favor to Paul, allowing him to travel with his friends, Luke and Aristarchus, and permitting him to go ashore at Sidon to visit friends and get personal supplies. However, his kindness didn’t extend to taking advice from Paul on maritime matters. Ignoring Paul’s warning not to sail, the Roman officer chose to follow the advice of the ship’s captain and owner, who preferred a more comfortable winter’s anchorage in nearby Phoenix. Yet, as soon as they set out on what should’ve been a short journey along the Southern coast of Crete, a “Northeaster” of typhoon force blew them far out to sea. As their condition grew more desperate, Paul’s prior warning must have continued to ring in the Roman officer’s ears.
Paul’s influence began to grow with the Romans and the sailors from that day. As their situation in the storm worsened, Paul’s voice would became the only voice of hope in their midst. The Lord gave Paul a platform of influence everywhere he went, that he might share the gospel with everyone.
The storms of life reveal what’s inside of us. When we face storms in the power and comfort of the Spirit of Christ, our influence with others increases. For they see Christ in us. It is Christ in us that enables us to face storms saying, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).
PRAYER: Dear Father, some of us face storms today. Help us to focus on Christ, rather than the storm. Strengthen us and give us the peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.