January 3, 2013 - Acts 28:10

             “They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.”  Acts 28:10.

            While shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul was used by God to heal many of the island’s inhabitants.  To show their gratitude, the people of Malta treated Paul and his companions as guests of honor.  When it was time for the travelers to make ready to sail on the last leg of their journey to Rome, the Maltese people gave them all the supplies they needed to make the trip.  Before arriving on Malta, things were not looking good for those on the ship.  They had been caught in a hurricane for days, and their ship was torn to pieces, finally wrecking on the coast of Malta.  Once on land, Paul even had to survive being bitten by a viper.  Survival looked bleak.  Yet, God had a plan.  He turned a situation that looked horrible into one that was life-giving for all involved.  Paul kept his eyes on God, and the Father guided him, and all associated with him, through.

            In looking at my life, I recognize different times when I had to endure rough patches; rough seas of life.  It could have been very easy for me to sink to the bottom or to “shipwreck” on some distant island of life.  But I tried to keep my eyes on the Father, who I believed would guide me through.  He didn’t necessarily make the storms go away, but He did stay with me and He guided me through to the other side.  I have even sensed God using me in the lives of others while I was in the middle of those rough seas. And, I have also sensed God furnishing what I needed to make it through.  God has always provided the direction, as well as the supplies necessary to make it to the next destination.

            Questions to consider: Have you experienced God’s provision in the middle of the rough seas in your life?  What has that looked like for you?  When you have been in rough seas, have you been used in other’s lives to help them?  What was that like?

Prayer: Father, thank You for always being with me and for guiding me through the rough seas.  Help me, Father, to keep my eyes on You as You direct me through and use me to come along side of others to serve them as You would want me to serve them.  Amen.