This story isn’t really about Paul. It isn’t really about you and your storms.
This is about 276 people who encountered a storm- a storm that rocked their sense of safety and control. No one’s experience, hard work, wisdom, power, influence (or chains) mattered any more. It appeared everyone was equally lost.
275 people embodied one path of response: fear, hopelessness, self-preservation, and worry.
Paul acted differently. He stood before everyone in faith.
No, not the faith you’re thinking about. This faith wasn’t about inner strength and personal resilience. This faith wasn’t about how Paul “kept it all together” in the storm.
Through all the chaos that surrounded him, and the bad advice that was being offered (v11); despite the signs of hopelessness in the crowd (v19-20) and others’ attempts at desertion (v30, 42); despite the deep lure of fear, stress, worry, isolation, abandonment, anger, and resentment— Paul steadied His eyes on God’s character and promise (v25).
And what did that produce? A faith that served others. A faith that gave encouragement to 275 other people in the midst of their storm.
Too many times we- children of the living God- are drowning in fear, worry, and hopelessness when a storm hits. We get so focused on ourselves, our needs, our survival. We can spend all our time asking God for personal comfort when He wants to give us a word of encouragement for the 275 people around us who really are lost, with no Cornerstone to stand on.
Today, stop seeking for a temporary comfort greater than the everyday-assurance you’ve received through Christ’s resurrection and the gift of His indwelling Spirit.
Today- within the storms of personal tragedy, political rage, economic fears, and ethical collapse— stand in the power of the Holy Spirit and declare to others, “Keep up your courage; do not be afraid; have faith in a God who does not fail (v22-25).”
Today, stand in the midst of the hopeless and desperate and give thanks to God, celebrating His provision and promises (v35b).