October 25, 2012 - Acts 27:20

            “When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”  Acts 27:20.

            As a prisoner on board a ship heading for Rome, Paul, along with the crew and other passengers, was caught in a horrific storm and they were cast helplessly about for several days.  Even the most experienced crew was clueless as to what to do to help them escape the violence of the storm.  After several days, everyone on board the small vessel gave up all hope of surviving.  They were without any food or water, and the small ship was falling apart.  The situation looked absolutely extremely bleak.  But what got them through?

            When I was 11 years old, I went out on a small boat in the Chesapeake Bay with a couple of friends and their father.  We had a great time together out on the water, but a storm blew up very quickly and caught us by surprise.  The small craft was not built to survive being caught in a violent storm out in the open water.  My friends and I were very upset and feeling hopeless about making it to shore.  I thought that we were all done for! 

            In my spiritual journey, I have had times when it seemed so dark, with the storms of life violently blowing in my soul.  I felt alone and without hope.  It was during those times that I began to experience the Anchor of my soul.  It wasn’t just something that I read about.  It started to become more of a reality.  The Father was there with me, bringing me peace right in the middle of the storm. 

            Questions to consider: Have you ever been without hope or have felt like you were losing all hope?  What is it like to be in the storms in your life?  Has God met you in your storms?  How did you get through those times?

            Prayer: Father, I seem to grow closer to You having gone through the storms of life and knowing that You are right there with me.  Thank You for being there and for guiding me safely through.  Amen.