by Charles R. Swindoll
Read Acts 27:33-38
Can you imagine fighting a storm for two weeks and getting
virtually no nourishment? That's what the men on Paul's ship experienced. Even
more amazing, that's how most people respond to life's storms. We run our tanks
dry fighting the battles on our own, and we end up physically weak, emotionally
drained, and unable to sleep. The anchor of renewal guards against that sort of
anatomical depletion. Instead, Paul encouraged the men to eat and be renewed.
But first he prayed. They all prayed!
Can you imagine that scene? The storm raged about them,
while almost three hundred men bowed in prayer as Paul gave thanks for the
meager fare, then everybody on board joined together in the meal.
Your personal nourishment is crucial during times of storm.
In panic moments, you'll cut a corner on your meals. You'll also fail to get
sufficient sleep. It won't be long before you will set aside prayer altogether
and you'll find yourself drained, spiritually. Increased emotional pain mixed
with decreased spiritual renewal can be lethal to your faith.
Spiritual renewal comes primarily through prayer. Few
disciplines are of greater importance when all seems bleak. Simply talk it out.
Wrestle with the reason for the storm. Seek His direction. Don't let up until
you're satisfied you've got the Lord's mind. That's what Paul modeled on the
deck of that rugged ship.
For some of the men on board, I'm confident it was the first
time in their lives they had prayed. Certainly, it was the first time they had
prayed to Almighty God! It may have been the only time in their lives they'd
ever heard a prayer offered for a meal. In the middle of a howling
wind-and-rain storm, they paused and witnessed a reverent, humble man offering
a prayer of gratitude to the Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth, Captain of
the winds and waves. That encouraged them. It was simple, but its impact was
profound. Paul had shown them the anchor of renewal---a glimpse of hope.
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