Acts 27: 23-24, 29-32
Fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:29-32
Fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:29-32
Today, I want to ask you a direct question, are you drifting away from God, or are you cruising in the shipping lane with drive, destiny and determination to make a difference in your world? To be able to cruise in the shipping lane with purpose, you must know that you can rely on God as your anchor when, not if life’s storms come.
ANCHOR ONE – GOD.
Saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ -Acts 27:24
Let’s say it together, out loud, it matters who you hang out with!
The Person of God.
The Omnipotent One. (Having unlimited authority or power). Everything hinges and depends on God, the self-existing One. Our Creator, Maker, Saviour, Redeemer! The God of the universe. The Holy God. The Omniscient One (Having unlimited knowledge). God knows the end from the beginning and He’s the one who can set your life on course.
Our Position in God.
Paul is stating in verse Acts 27:23, "Whom I belong and whom I serve." that God owns him. We will not serve Him until He owns us. Does God own you? Have you given up your free will to serve him? Who or what is keeping you from serving God will all your heart? Sold Out!
The Proclamation of God.
Acts 27:24a "Fear not." Fear does not come from God. This passage is speaking about Paul’s lack of fear while doing God’s will.
God is assuring Paul of safety, security, and supply. These things come from God; not only for Paul, but for all who were with him. Remember it matters who you hang out with.
That verse stirs me to be with people that have God’s approval and blessing on their lives. There is where it is safe. As long as Paul focused on doing the will of God, he would be safe. He would finish his course.
The Plan of God.
Acts 27:24b, "you must be brought before Caesar." God has a plan for you.
Unhappiness comes when we are not in that plan. It will bring defeat and discouragement.
God’s plan may not always be enjoyable. Apostle Paul experienced persecution and severe hardships. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 records beating, stoning, imprisonment, hunger, cold, nakedness, and fear.
Let me remind you that none of this was done in chastisement, but rather because Paul was fulfilling the plan of God, he was a servant.
He speaks of his bearing the marks in his body. "From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Gal 6:17
I would venture to say that Paul was not rejoicing with laughter while he was telling these incidents. He is telling us there will be hard times while doing the plan of God.
It’s not always smooth sailing, and God didn’t promise us a storm free journey, but He did promise we would make it to the other side. God is an anchor that will hold!
Action Step: Let’s inquire of the Lord for what his plan for our life is. I challenge you to read God’s word, it has all the answers to life’s tests.
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