Thankful in the storm…
Many years ago, we had a pontoon boat. At that time, we didn’t live too far from the lake, so we took the boat out often, typically early in the morning because that seemed to be when the fish were always more active. But one morning, in particular, a storm came up out of nowhere. We were almost on the other side of the lake from where we had launched when the clouds rolled in, and we only made it halfway back to the dock when the brunt of the wind and rain hit. I had never seen waves like that on a lake before. The pounding rain and the water crashing over the front of the boat were a little concerning. To be honest, giving thanks at that moment did not cross my mind.
In the book of Acts, when Paul was being transported as a prisoner to Rome, Luke gives the account of the storm the ship encountered. We know this storm was bad because in Acts 27:20, Luke comments, “…all hope that we should be saved was then taken away” (KJV). But then, having heard from God, Paul assures the crew that no one will perish (See Acts 27:21:25 KJV). Now, in verse 33, Luke informs us that they have now been in this storm for fourteen days and Paul is encouraging them to eat (See Acts 27:33-34). For a moment, imagine being on a ship in the middle of the ocean during a horrendous storm on a boat tossed about by ginormous waves. With that thought in mind, let’s continue on to the next verse. Luke describes Paul in saying, “And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all…” (Acts 27:35 KJV).
In the midst of the storm… Paul gave thanks.
We are told in the Old Testament of a faithful man named Job. The Book of Job details how he lost his children, his animals, and his servants (See Job 1:13-19 KJV). Yet, how did Job respond to this horrible news? In Job 1:20-21, we are told, “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (KJV).
In the midst of his suffering… Job gave thanks.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are commanded, “In every thing give thanks…” (KJV).
We may not be thankful for the storm… but we can be thankful in the storm. When the storm has passed, we may see the reason we endured it… we may even be thankful for the storm. As I read Acts 27, I can only imagine how many lives on that ship were touched by Paul’s faith… how many seeds were planted.
