Acts 27-28
"When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging we finally gave up all hope of being saved." Acts 27:20
"So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me."
Acts 27:25-26a
There are times when it seems like the storm is never going to let up, just like the men on the boat with Paul. Hope is lost of being rescued or saved. But the storm does not last forever and our worst fears 80% of the time are not realized.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick. We lose our zeal for living and our sense of purpose. We sink into depression and see no way out. It is so important, as the men on the boat with Paul found out, to have people of God around you when you are going through a storm. They are able to hear from God when you can't because you are so focused on the wind and waves instead of Him. They speak life, hope and encouragement into our hearts from God's Word and remind us of who He is and whose we are. I thank God for those that have done that in my life!
Where am I today? Am I in a storm and in need of encouragement from God's people? Or am I one of God's people who need to encourage someone in the midst of a storm?
Father God,
How I praise You for being my Hope and Salvation! I thank You for making Jesus the Rescuer and Ransom for my soul. I thank You for sending godly men and women into my life to speak Your truth and get my focus back on You when I'm in the storm.
I pray for those today that are suffering from anxiety and depression. Help them to know that the storm will not last forever. Give them the courage to reach out for help. Bring alongside them godly men and women that will encourage them and point them to the Captain and Anchor of their souls. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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