Shipwreck journal (2)

Paul's voyage didn't get any better. 'We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard.' In the sailors' panic, they started chucking overboard the things they needed most (check Acts 27:18-19). Their cargo, the ship's tackle, their food. And then finally, themselves - as a last-ditch measure they just dived headfirst into the sea.

When we find ourselves in crisis-mode, we may be tempted to ditch what we need most. We give up on dreams. Or on values we learned as children. We run out on relationships. Centuries before Paul found himself in a boat with stressed sailors, a man called Joshua told God's people, 'But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now' (Joshua 23:8 NIV). Paul did that as everyone around him lost their heads. In a situation where there'd be deadly consequences if God didn't come through, Paul tightened his grip on God's promises.

Paul has so many quotes about standing firm (see 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Philippians 1:27). Let's remember how God helped him. And because our God's just as real today as he was back then, we too can stand firm and be saved.



So what now? Inventory time. What's God given you that you don't want to lose? Think values, close relationships and dreams. Write them down somewhere that you can refer to when a crisis hits.





— SCRIPTURE —

'They threw the ship's tackle overboard.' Acts 27:19 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Zech 4-6, Mark 14:12-26, Ps 24, Pro 24:15-18