FAITH IN THE MIDST OF A SHIPWRECK

“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)

 

As Paul sailed away, he was caught by a storm that batter his ship violently. Similar to Paul’s experience, sometimes we found that God permitted certain storms in our lives to happen, as a reminder that we are completely dependent upon Him. As believers, we know that God is in control even if when things may seem completely out of control. The ship may run aground, but our faith must sail through! Our circumstances may be beyond our control, yet our faith is within our absolute command. External challenges in work, finances, health, or other life crises may come pressing against us but our faith shall conquer the world. Therefore, keep trusting Him! 

Remember that those who walk by faith are indeed living in His promises. Learn to remain calm in all circumstances. When storms of life come beating us hard and seemingly weaken our faith, we need to call upon His promises. Paul overcame his storm with such calmness because he held on to God’s words that instructed him to see Caesar such that the lives of everyone aboard was spared. Therefore, hold on to Christ in facing your storm; with Him, we will surely sail towards His perfect plan!

Make the best use of your time, even in the face of a storm. In calmness, make plans. For anything ahead of us, we need to plan for the best but also prepare for the worst. All in all, we must surrender everything that we are in His mighty hands! If you currently find your ship is completely wrecked, do not despair. God is more than able to put all the pieces back together and make us a new ship to sail on. While the future is not ours to determine, but we can decide whom our faith shall rest upon. His plans never go aground and His promises are always fulfilled!

Extracted from Ps. Philip Mantofa’s Sermon
https://youtu.be/OF37FPD3I_k

 

Those who live by faith will not be adrift by circumstances. Those who trust God shall stand firm and be a stronghold in the face of storms. Those who walk by faith, wherever the storm batters them, will surely sail towards His perfect plan!