I have read this story in Acts 27 so many times, loving how Paul takes charge and encourages the sailors and passengers in the midst of a storm.
He speaks words which infuse with courage and calms their anxiety. He breaks bread and feeds them for their own good. He prays, thanking God for Who He is. I have so appreciated that although the ship was smashed by the force of the waves and completely broke apart, not one life was lost. All 276 were spared.
But there are times, God has more to say and He diverts our eyes to take in a few words differently ….
“Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta.” (Acts 28: 1, NLT)
Those very words seemed to leap off the page. Or perhaps God was using His megaphone. Not sure. But I know His Word sank deep into my soul as it brought new revelation to me – – –
Sometimes we have no idea where we’re going until we land safe at shore.
When life throws its uncertainties at us, we want to know the outcome. At times, we even desire to control the outcome. As the waves pound and the winds howl, we want to know the direction we are headed.
But sometimes, we need to trust Him and go for the ride, knowing He will take us safely into shore.
And here’s the thing about the shore ….
“The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.” (Acts 28: 2, NLT)
The place we land will be a place which welcomes us. There will be a fire waiting to warm us, bringing the comfort of safety and community.
Sometimes we have no idea where we’re going until we land safe at shore.
The very place where the storm and safety meet.
The shore.
This post was shared with … Unite and Titus 2 Tues. and Titus 2sday and Playdates With God and Testimony Tues. .
Love this – so much of my life right now is just trusting God in the ride. Taking one step and then another, trusting that He’s leading me where I’m supposed to go. Hard not to know the destination, but a great lesson in trust.
Kathryn, it is most difficult not to know where one is going. Much the way Paul found everything waiting for him on the island, we too, will find He has prepared the way for us. May we trust Him more & more. Have a great Wed.!
This is beautiful… I’m trusting Him today to bring me safely to shore. Your words encourage my heart today. Thank you!!
Grateful you found encouragement here, Julie. May we hold onto…”The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24).
Oh. my. word. You are so right. Sometimes we have no idea where we are going until we land safe. I just have to work on trusting the safety of God’s presence more than fearing the unknown. Great post, my friend. Thanks for sharing it with us at Testimony Tuesday. Much love!
Thanks, Holly. It is so difficult not to know where we’re headed. It all rests in the trusting. May we grow to trust Him more each day. Have a great Wed.!
Lovely post, Joanne! Especially your ending lines: “The very place where the storm and safety meet. The shore.” Thanks for so faithfully visiting blogs & commenting. And thanks for sharing this. Blessings!
Thank you, Renee. Grateful you stopped here. May you have a great Wed.!
So lovely. Where the storm and safety meet – I love that line.
Thank you. It brought such peace as I love sitting on the shore exactly at that point … where the two meet. Have a great day!
“But sometimes, we need to trust Him and go for the ride, knowing He will take us safely into shore.” Yes. This is where I am right now too, Joanne. Thank you for reminding me of this wonderful Bible story and how it encourages during times like these. 🙂
And that destination will be totally prepared and waiting for us. I so appreciate that you shared today. Blessings!
So true and so encouraging–thanks
Grateful you stopped here & were encouraged. Blessings!
The very place where the storm and safety meet-the shore! Loved this! May we all be welcome at the shore because God has led us there. Thank you for these encouraging words today!
I am so grateful these words encouraged you, Mary, as you are such an encourager yourself. Thank you for being here today!