Brought Safely Through
Good morning, Immanuel. The God who safely brought Paul through the raging storm of the sea will be faithful to bring us through the raging storms of this present life.
“After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta” (Acts 28:1).
The Apostle Paul had a strong desire to visit Rome. Still, he was often providentially hindered from making the journey (see Romans 1:18). After many closed doors, Paul is finally granted the opportunity to set sail for Rome, albeit as a prisoner (Acts 27:1). Like many other journeys of Paul, this voyage was full of dangers and discouragements. Luke tells us that Paul’s ship encounters a violent storm that nearly takes them all out. They were storm-tossed (Acts 27:18), desperate (Acts 27:20), and starving (Acts 27:33). Through it all, Paul’s courage is fueled by the certainty of God’s purpose of grace (Acts 27:25). And it is only the certainty of God that deserves our attention. As Paul and the others weather the storm, Luke gives this as a testimony: “After we were brought safely through….”
Their safe passage through the storm was not a result of the captain’s great naval wisdom. Their safe passage through the violent sea was not owing to their abilities to strategize. The only words to explain their safe passage through the valley of the shadow of death were this - “we were BROUGHT safely through.”
Dear believer, the story of our lives is not the story of human effort paying off; it is the story of divine grace bringing us through. We have been acted upon. We have been carried! The God of all grace, who safely brought Paul through the raging storm of the sea and safely brought us through the raging storm of judgment at the cross, will be faithful to bring us through the raging storms of this present life into glory.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. - Jude 1:24-25
On the Horizon…
TOMORROW: ENJOYING THE TRINITY—Join us in the cafe as Pastor Sam Allberry continues our Wednesday night summer series, “Enjoying the Trinity.” We hope to see you there!
TENTH GENERATION - Did you catch the latest Tenth Generation Update? Find out about a new development here.
Hallelujah. TRULY!