Summertime StoriesSample

Acts 27:35

35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.

What an unforgettable sailing excursion! This chapter is full of storms, struggle, strife, and ends with a shipwreck. And to think it all could have been avoided if they had just listened to Paul, instead of the captain and their natural inclination. Isn’t that just like God, though?  He will get us where He wants us to go whether we want to go His way or our own way, but ignoring His voice may lead to destruction, damage, and loss. The crew gave up (v.15), tried different sailing tactics (v.17), tossed excess cargo (v.18), lost all hope (v.20), prayed (v.29), attempted to abandon the boat (v.30), and finally landed ashore with a broken ship, battered crew, and escaping prisoners. 

My favorite verse of this whole chapter, sandwiched (pun intended) in the middle of this crazy shipwreck, is a sacred moment — Paul celebrates communion with the crew. The day was dawning, and they knew land was near, so Paul encouraged these starving sailors to take a moment to eat. As they gathered, he took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, ate it, and shared with everyone aboard. Despite the circumstances and unknown that lay ahead, they paused to give thanks and remember the Lord. I just love that Paul intentionally recognized Christ in the very center of their crisis. Once again, Christ was with them in the storm. 

Today, take a moment to pause and commune with God. Break bread, give thanks and remember Christ’s sacrifice.