Guest post by author C.A. Simonson
Acts 27:13- “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity…”
Julius had one job: to get his prisoner to Rome. They sailed when the Mediterranean Sea had dense fog and high winds, staying near the shore because of contrary winds. Attempting to head northwest, they were pushed south. The record states: “The wind did not allow us to hold our course.”(Acts 27:7) With slow going, time lost, and many difficulties, they finally reached the port of Fair Haven.
Paul wanted to stay for the winter, but Julius and the captain disagreed. When a gentle wind arose, they thought they got what they wanted and set sail again (v.13). But the sea turned stormy and treacherous.
Out to sea, hurricane winds blew up, which battered the ship so severely that they had to dump cargo. Driven along by stormy waves with no sun or stars for navigation, they were lost. Hopeless. Doomed to die.“They lost all control of the ship… like a cork in the storm.” (v.15 – The Message) But Paul assured them they would safely reach Rome. God promised him.
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Are you drifting aimlessly without purpose? Have you veered off course from your goal? Are circumstances pushing you where you don’t want to go?
Beware when you get what you want; it may only be the eye of the storm. Unforeseen obstacles may cause loss. Ready and steady yourself for fierce opposition. But also be encouraged. Keep the faith. Keep going. Trust and believe. If God has given you a mission, He will also see you through it to the end. He always keeps His promises. You will make it.
“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
C.A. (Candy) Simonson is a freelance writer and novelist. She began writing nonfiction articles in the 1980s with almost 800 articles published in multiple national or online magazines. Her award-winning stories are in seven anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her debut young adult novel, Love’s Journey Home, published in 2013 was followed by seven Christian YA novels and five nonfiction books. As a former IT computer trainer/teacher, she enjoys assisting other authors with book formatting, self-publishing, cover design, and sharing her technical and writing knowledge with writers’ groups. She serves the Springfield Writers’ Guild Board as the 2024 and 2025 President and SWG webmaster. See more at CASIMONSON.COM