Summer Blessings

 Acts 27:39-41

“When daylight came, they did not recognise the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.”

Of course not all seaside ventures are peaceful, tranquil scenes.  In today’s verses we get a snippet of the dangers of sea voyages in the Mediterranean. 

In this episode we see the miracle at the end of this terrifying experience for people on board this ship: Everyone's life was saved! The ship's captain and sailors and the Roman commanding officer and other soldiers all followed the directions of Paul and trusted in God's promises to Paul.

God doesn't promise Jesus' followers that they will be immune to storms. Life can be hard, challenging, disappointing, and exhausting. None of us will make it out of this life unchallenged or unscathed. As Jesus' followers, however, God has promised that we will never be abandoned* and that we will arrive safely home with Jesus when our storms are done. Our job is to be faithful and help others find Jesus in the storm!

John and Charles Wesley set out for America in 1735, enthused at the idea of preaching the Gospel to Native American people. During the voyage the ship was struck by a terrifying storm. John was afraid. He prayed with the English passengers, one of whom brought him a baby to baptise in case they were all about to die.

Shortly afterwards he was at another service with a group of German Moravians when a huge wave engulfed the ship and water poured down into the cabins. While the English passengers screamed in terror, the Moravians continued singing - men, women and children seemingly untroubled.

Later he asked one of the Moravians if they hadn't been afraid. He replied that not even the women and children had been afraid. None of them were afraid to die.John knew that they had something he didn't, an absolute trust in God. They were prepared to lose their lives because they knew that God was never going to let them go.

Father, thank you for the assurance that you, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are always with me — that I am never abandoned or left all alone. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being God's presence within me, the Breath of God being with me every breath I take. Strengthen my faith in your presence and empower me to courageously face my future because I know you are with me and empower me. Thank you, O God, for always being near. In Jesus' name, I offer my adoration and praise for your abiding nearness. Amen.