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And when day came, they could not recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay, which had a beach, into which they took counsel to drive the ship, if they were able.

And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the bands of the rudders; and hoisting the foresail to the blowing of the wind, they held course for the beach. But striking a sandbar with the sea on both sides, they ran the vessel aground; and the bow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was broken up by the violence of the waves. And the counsel of the soldiers was that they should kill the prisoners, lest anyone swim away and escape; But the centurion, intending to bring Paul safely through, prevented them from their intention and ordered those who were able to swim to throw themselves overboard first and get to the land,

And the rest to follow, some on planks, and others on some of the things from the ship. And so it happened that all were brought safely through onto the land.

 

It can be frustrating when scripture doesn’t have all the detail, we wish was there to fully answer our questions about the passage. There are other times, like here, when we get such detail that we can practically feel the spray of the sea on our faces. I love when the passage gives us so much that we can sense the drama unfolding. Paul isn’t shy about letting us know there was murder being considered or that some who couldn’t swim were about to cling to boards in hopes of escaping the storm long enough to get to land.

 

Through it all, I’m still left with the impression that Paul never worried about the sea, the wind, the failing boat, or the intention of his captors. He knew God had it all covered and he was able to share that assurance with others.

 

Lord, may we be a peaceful presence in the lives of others. Thank you for the absolute assurance that You’ve got everything covered. Amen.

 

Paula Barney

adminassist@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: Blessed assurance.