– Scripture:

When a gentle southerly breeze came up, they weighed anchor, thinking it would be smooth sailing. But they were no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm. We came under the lee of the small island named Clauda, and managed to get a lifeboat ready and reef the sails. But rocky shoals prevented us from getting close. We only managed to avoid them by throwing out drift anchors.

                             Acts 27:13–17 MSG

– Reflection:

                   A Storm At Sea

When all hope had been given up of being saved, the captain decided to stop fighting the storm, lowered the sails, and let the wind blow them. But when they shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul shared the good news with the islanders, and many were healed and became believers. What looked like a setback in God’s plan for Paul was actually a divine detour to move him to people in need. God promised Paul that he would stand trial before Caesar in Rome, but the ship he was on was caught for fourteen days in a huge storm with hurricane-force winds. Before doing something GOD told us to do there may be other work more pressing that needs to be completed first.

Where do we go from here?

We can stand against sickness, addictions, and abusive situations, there are some storms and troubles that are leading to where God wants you to go. You have to quit trying to make it work out your way. Sometimes a spiritual detour may happen. If you fight it, you’re not going to win. What you can’t see is that trouble is transportation, moving you into your purpose, perhaps into a position to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that the winds and waves that we face today cannot stop Your plan for our lives. Thank You that our purpose is firmly and securely anchored in You. We believe and declare that the storms and detours cannot defeat us and are pushing us into our destinies. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.