March 26, 2010

In a Storm

Excerpt from Acts 27: 1-12

Since much time had been lost and sailing was now dangerous . . . Paul advised them, saying, "Sirs, I can see that the voyage will be made with danger and much heavy loss . . ."

Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson

In his book, Preaching through a Storm, Beecher Hicks says: "You're either coming out of a storm, in a storm or heading for a storm." Paul was heading for a storm as he traveled as a prisoner to Rome. He tried to avoid the storm by sharing his considerable experience of sailing the Mediterranean with the ship's captain. But the people in charge didn't listen to Paul. In the midst of the storm, Paul continued to offer solid counsel and was eventually heeded. In a storm, whether literal or figurative, we can easily lose our heads and panic. Paul seemed to stay focused and centered. Perhaps this was because Paul understood himself to be making the trip in obedience to God. When we are clear about God's call to us and are obedient to that call, it's easier to stay focused and to not lose our cool in the midst of life's inevitable storms.

Prayer

I do not pray, Lord, to be protected from all storms, but to protected in the storm. When the wind is high and the sea is choppy, help me to stay focused on you and your will for me. Amen.