Verse of the Day and Devotion

Verse of the Day and Devotion

July 21, 2018

Scripture

For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship... - Acts 27:23 ESV

Devotion

In defense of himself against his accusers, the Apostle Paul had made an appeal to Caesar. (Acts 25:11) As a result, he was taken by ship to Rome to make his case. A centurion named Julius was given the responsibility of escorting him to Italy. When they reached Crete, Paul warned everyone that they should not proceed any further because winter was fast approaching. Despite his warning, they set sail and continued on their way.

A violent storm called the northeaster arose and buffeted the ship for many days. After throwing the cargo overboard didn't help, the crew and passengers gave up all hope of being saved. Paul, however, encouraged them by saying, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship." (Acts 27:21-22)

On what basis was Paul able to say this? It was because of what the angel mentioned in our verse for today told him the night before. The angel had said, "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you." (Acts 27:24) Paul then went on to say to everyone, "So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told." And, true to his word, they all survived the shipwreck.

Today, there may be a disaster unfolding in your life as well. You and your fellow workers may have already tried everything you could think of to forestall it, but to no avail. Angel visitations may be few and far between under normal circumstances, but this isn't anything normal. From your point of view, everything is at stake. Maybe, as it was for Paul and his fellow travelers, even life itself is at stake. You need heavenly assurance now more than ever before.

If this is true, then don't be surprised if the God to whom you belong and whom you worship meets your need. Don't be surprised if He sends a heavenly messenger in the night with the assurance you need.