“But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘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.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” (Acts 27:22-25)
A few years ago, two famous televangelists were in the news because of their excessively luxuriant lifestyles and because of their purchase of private jets. They made up numerous excuses for not flying on commercial flights – like the rest of us have to. One of these lame excuses had to do the difficulty they had praying and preparing their sermons while “trapped in a tube full of demons,” i.e. the airplane’s cabin.
What a contrast to Paul. Here in Acts 27 Paul welcomed circumstances that put him in the midst of people – especially among people in crisis. To Paul, that’s where ministry for the Lord is most effective. Paul looked at his 276 fellow prisoners and crew aboard that doomed ship as his target audience. He not only prayed for his own safety and comfort. Paul prayed for the safety of everyone on that ship. He knew that God places Christians in dark places – where the light of the Gospel is needed most. So he prayed for opportunities to share his faith.
And God answered his prayers. When the voyage began, the ship’s captain and the commander blew Paul off when he tried to offer advice (Acts 27:9-12). But now, after the ship’s been tossed in heavy seas for two weeks, the entire ship hangs on Paul’s every word. And he shares God’s message with them, giving them some much-needed hope. By the time the voyage nears its end, Paul has virtually taken command. He’s giving the orders and, as a result, every single life is saved (Acts 27:30-44). Through his prayers, his witness, and his desire to be a blessing to those around him, Paul has demonstrated to us the Christian’s duty in times of crisis.
Do you find yourself stuck with a bunch of sinful Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines? Guess what? God has placed you there. Yes, God places His children in the darkest locations, where the light of Christ is needed most. God doesn’t place lamps under bushel baskets, where it’s warm and cozy. He places lamps out in the darkness to give light to everyone (Matthew 5:14-16). Please don’t yearn for work in a nice Christian environment where everyone’s nice to each other. The light of the Gospel is needed most where sinners abound. So go forth and be a witness for Jesus and a blessing.
REFLECTION
- To be useful, mustn’t light be placed in darkness and salt be out of the shaker?
- To be a blessing, mustn’t Christians be placed in troublesome circumstances?
- With the grace and strength God provides, brighten the world around you.
