Don’t Panic - Paul

Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.

Acts 27:33-35

Years ago, during a stressful time in America’s history, a bumper sticker quipped, “Anyone who isn’t in a state of panic just doesn’t understand the situation!”

At a moment of crisis, our emotions easily get the best of us. When problems at home, at work, and with others begin to overwhelm us, we can be tempted to “fly off the handle” or panic.

The apostle Paul had many occasions when he could have given in to anxiety and panic. One of those moments took place on board a ship sailing toward Rome. The journey started off peacefully enough, but soon a vicious Mediterranean storm slammed the ship, convincing even seasoned sailors that they were about to die.

Paul had been through enough in his life of faith to know that God would allow nothing to destroy him until he had completed his appointed mission. He had a battle-tested faith that helped him to keep his head and set a calm example for the crew in the midst of a terrifying storm.

Paul heard God give him the promise of a safe voyage for himself and everyone else on board: “Not a hair of your heads will perish,” he declared confidently.

Like Paul, we can find peace in the midst of the worst storms when we understand that nothing can happen to us unless our heavenly Father allows it. Our situations may not be easy or fun, but God still remains in control.

Accidents, tragedies, catastrophes, and deep human suffering sometimes make it seem that God has lost control of the big ship we call Earth. When we place our faith in his power to keep and deliver us—however fierce the storms we might have to ride out— we can keep our wits about us even when others are losing theirs.