SCARED TO LIFE

READING: ACTS 27:13-25

Verse 20: “Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.”

Acts 27 describes the Apostle Paul’s experience in a shipwreck. The shipwreck occurred because those on board refused advice from Paul that would have prevented the problem. When they realized they were about to die, they regretted their failure to accept Paul’s wisdom. By then they had given up all other hope, as it says above, and completely submitted to his directions. This incident reminds me of the saying that there are no atheists in a foxhole. When people are in trouble, very frightened or fearing for their lives, they they are inclined to turn to whatever or whoever can save them. The men in the ship were opened to God’s grace through Paul by their fear of death. Those facing death in combat or other circumstances are also often turned to the Lord in their situations, by the recognition of their mortality. Many people carry in their hearts the knowledge that God is their salvation. They only need a situation that will cause them to act on their knowledge. For these, rather than being frightened to death, they can be frightened to everlasting life. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How might Paul’s role look in a modern situation?

2. What other godly purpose can be served by fear?