February 20, 2012 (Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27)
From the life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.” Acts 27:32 NLT
Observation: Paul warned them not to sail but they didn’t listen. So now they found themselves in a tight spot. The perfect storm had risen against them and they were beginning to panic. But the angel of the Lord came to Paul and told him to take courage everything was going to work out. Although they would indeed be shipwrecked, if all would stay in the boat until the very end they would be saved. So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away. Now they were about to witness God deliver them, like only He could.
Application: When we face the storms of our lives are we willing to cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away? That sounds insane! You find yourself out in the ocean, on a boat that is sinking, certain death is starring you in the face, and you cut the ropes to the lifeboat that was designed to save you in this situation! Yet when God tells you what to do, you must be willing to do just that, no matter what it may look like to others. Like Paul, we must take courage and believe God and know it will work out just as He said. He is our protection and our provision, and it isn’t over until He says so!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day, bless it and keep it for Your glory. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me on a daily basis. I’m so glad to know of Your faithfulness, I’m so happy to have experienced Your divine protection. You are indeed stronger than my largest enemy and You know just how to protect and deliver me. In the midst of the raging sea, give me the courage to cut the lifeboat free and trust You completely, in Jesus name, Amen!