In The Midst Of A Storm

IN THE MIDST OF A STORM

a prayer to open

Holy Spirit, come. Center my heart.

Fill my mind. Guide my steps.

When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength . . . burst across the island and blew us out to sea. The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.

We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat being towed behind us. Then the sailors bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it. They were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship and were driven before the wind.

The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.

No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and 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.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

Paul and his shipmates found themselves in the midst of a devastating storm. They could not control their ship, the winds were hurricane strength, and eventually they gave up all hope. And then an angel of God stood beside Paul to reassure him and breathe hope and promise into despair. This supernatural intervention was light in the darkness and enabled Paul to provide encouragement in a seemingly hopeless situation. Oh that God would intervene in our darkest moments to grant us a sense of his presence, a word of encouragement, or a reminder of his promises.

• Read this passage again. What word or phrase stands out to you? Sit quietly, reminding yourself that you are in God’s loving presence, and ask him to show you how that word or phrase connects to your life.
• Reflect on a time when you found yourself in the “midst of a storm.” How did you feel during that time (defeated, discouraged, hopeless, confused)? What helped you continue to hold on to hope, or what brought you back to a place of hope?
• What storm are you in now, whether because of external circumstances or an internal battle? Who are you sharing your struggle with so you aren’t alone? How do you sense God’s presence and care in the midst of your struggle? What promises from Scripture might help you remember hope?

Father, sometimes pain seems to come in a constant stream with one thing after another creating more difficulty. Thank you for the good things in the midst of the storms. Help me see them, and turn my heart toward you in gratitude and faith. Remind me of your promises. Bring to mind someone I can share my experience with so I can know I am not alone, and give me the courage to invite them into my story. Have mercy on me and grant me your peace. Amen.