Sometimes I write just for me to see if I can tell this story. If you’ve followed however many weeks, you know choosing to be a Christian is a part of me. Last week I ran into a Bible verse I never knew was there. What I think it means could be important to anyone, so here goes. Last week 4 year olds through 4th grades had a music camp and gave a production of Paul and the Shipwreck. My job was to come each afternoon and offer some spiritual thought other than wearing a Roman helmet and carrying a sword or being an angel on a stormy night. The first day was background as to why Paul was on a ship and the telling took some navigating through what they thought they knew.
Me: Paul was just 24 when he first knew about Jesus preaching. Boy: My brother is 23. He already knows about Jesus. Me: Paul held coats for the people who stoned Stephen. Group: Did he bleed a lot? I got hit by a baseball bat and it bled..and it hurt. Me. God got Paul’s attention with a bright light. An argument: Didn’t he know not to look at the sun without dark glasses? Aw, I could stare at the sun. That’s not hard. Slowly and surely, we got to the reason for a sea voyage and a 14 day storm. After that, I just had ten minute comments to hopefully guide a regroup each afternoon.
Then Thursday morning, I read Acts 27:24. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must go on trial in front of Caesar. God has shown his grace by sparing the lives of all those sailing with you.” Never had I thought of that. At sometime, I or you, may be on a special journey. It may even be difficult or dangerous. We will complete it. AND by grace those who are close to us on the fringe will be cared for also. Or turn it around. Maybe you or I are not the important one, but we are part of the crowd that survives in order to keep someone else safe. Turn the words over and think about them. Chosen for a purpose or just rowing the boat.
“Continue to be brave.” Acts 27:25
Let Me Tell Ya 