October 11, 2012 - Acts 27:10

            “’Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.’”  Acts 27:10.

            Being just a prisoner, I wouldn’t expect anyone to listen to him, but Paul was comfortable with who he was and Whose he was.  On his way by ship to Rome from Caesarea, Paul received a vision that they would encounter terrible trouble that could possibly cost them their lives, as well as the ship and her cargo.  Paul told all who were on board this vision, speaking up with what he believed was a caution from God.  Paul didn’t have any problem speaking up with what he thought needed to be said.  Even though Paul was a prisoner, he was not a prisoner in his mind and heart.

            While I’ve never been a prisoner held in jail, I know what it is like to be a prisoner in my own mind and heart.  There have been insecurities, fears, and other thoughts that have served to imprison me from moving forward in what God would have me do.  This is much less of a problem today, but it is still something that I wrestle with.  Paul was totally secure in whom he was (or Paul was totally secure in his position) in Christ.  His identity had nothing to do with what he thought others thought of him or even what he thought of himself.  He was totally focused on what God, the Father – Paul’s Father – thought of him.  Out of this security, knowing that he was a beloved son of God, Paul spoke out courageously.  This is my desire, as well.  How about you?

            Questions to consider: Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you sensed that you should speak out courageously?  How did you do?  Do you act as a prisoner captured within your own soul, or do you act out of who you are (or your position) as God’s beloved child?

            Prayer: Father, help me to remember who I am in You; that I am Your beloved child.  It is my desire to speak, and live out my life courageously, as Your child.  Amen.