The Apostle Paul was a prisoner on the ship that was headed to Rome. Although a prisoner, Paul was operating under the authority of God almighty. Julius, the centurion, was operating under the authority of the Roman government. The sailors were not able to keep the ship on its course due to high winds. Paul warned them of the danger they would face in the sea. Julius followed the advice given to him by the pilot and the owner of the ship. Paul’s predictions of danger and destruction were fulfilled.  The angel of the Lord told Paul that “. . . God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you” (Acts 27: 24).

Some swam to shore, some floated to shore on pieces of wood. No lives were lost in this instance. Life can become rough, and the outcomes of life’s storms can sometimes be brutal. Paul’s attentive ear to the voice of God, during the storm, created an avenue for Paul to testify of God’s sovereignty. Maybe some of the storms that we go through are allowing others to see the power of the mighty God we serve and our responses to Him.

We are all at different levels in our faith. I’m still amazed at Paul’s faith to rejoice during suffering (Romans 5:3-5) which results in building our hope, character, and faith.

May we all be comforted by the authoritative word of God during life’s storms.