I recently read a post from Mother Are that brought Acts 27:23-26 to life in a new way and I will share it here.
Last night an angel of the God whose I am 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. NIV
Note v24 in several different versions:
he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ NLT
…and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ Vs. 24b
266 souls were saved from physical drowning because a man of God was on board the ship.
- A man who speaks with God.
- A man who hears angels.
- A man who knows the God who can save physically and spiritually.
How great is this news.
God can graciously give you other souls!
God can bless others because of His relationship with someone (Gen 19:29; 39:5).
Paul’s life would have been saved alone but I wonder if Paul was praying for the safety of all in that ship. I wonder if that gift was an answer to prayer. We know that Paul often prayed for others and received answers for them.
Acts 27:24
and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul-for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God has granted your request and will save the lives of all those sailing with you.’ TLB
I wonder:
- How many souls you have secured for God;
- Who has escaped physical, or spiritual death because of you?
- Is it not this truth that is the basis for Psalm 2:8, Ask of me and I will give you nations for your inheritance? Will those nations not be saved because we asked?
I encourage you to ask and listen on! Indeed, some people will escape untimely physical death and also the second death because of your prayers.
This got me thinking about my walk. Am I walking aright? Have I done all I have been instructed to do? Do I press in to God daily before I go out to walk in obedience? Do I know for certain what I am here for and how I am to live it out?
God has an expectation of me, that I would walk in Him, with Him and for Him all my days. That I may showcase him to the world; That others who are unlikely to read the word will find my life an living example; That he would be so important to me so I would serve him only; That His love for me will overflow to others and the world around me will be changed for Him; That I would be so in love with Him that I would press in every moment of my life.
This day I make the choice afresh that My life will conform to the word of God daily, for the rest of my days. How about you?