SOMETIMES WE MUST RUN AGROUND

Paul had plans.

Paul had Great Plans! But sometimes we must run aground to accomplish all that God wants us to do. We read about a journey Paul is making in Acts chapters 27 and 28. Paul was to sail to Italy to go before Caesar to tell him about Christ. Jesus had appeared to Paul and told him that he had a purpose for him: Paul would minister and witness of the things he has seen and the things that will be revealed to him. His plans went into effect immediately. Paul is willing and obedient to follow Christ.

When Paul’s journey on the ship to Italy started, it was but a few days and they began to have trouble and it just escalated. Paul warned them the voyage would end in disaster and much lost; even their lives. They had to lighten the load on the ship even throwing over the ship’s tackle. The sun and stars did not appear for many days. The ship is about to run aground. The winds were treacherous and the sailing was slow.

An angel of God came and stood by Paul saying, “Fear not, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar: And, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” Paul will still fulfill the plan. God is adding to Paul’s plans, but wants him to know that no one would lose their life.

Sometimes when we are following God’s plan something comes up and though it may look disastrous to us, we must not fear! We have The Word that God spoke to us and we must continue with the plan that He has for us. Paul’s running aground was God putting him at the right place, at the right time.

GOD’S PLAN

Paul tells everyone they will run aground on a certain island, but no one will be lost. And, no one was. They reached the island. But like all times when something happens that seems bad, people tend to judge that you are the reason why it happen. You must be bad. When Paul was gathering wood for the fire a venomous snake came out of the wood and latched onto Paul. Paul just shook off the snake into the fire. The people believed he must have been really bad and guilty of wrong doing. They kept waiting for him to fall down dead. But when he didn’t, they thought he was a God.

Paul stayed at the home of a leading citizen of the island. While staying in his home he finds out that the father of the man that had treated him so well was sick. Paul then went and saw the father, and prayed, and laid his hands on him and healed him. Paul saw many people healed because of God’s plan.

And the next day…………

The people honored Paul and the men with him, in many ways. They provided the things that they needed. I am not wanting to make this journey of Paul’s seem all easy. You must read and hear of all that took place. Like what happened to Paul, running aground in your life may be for you to reach other people that you can help, as well. Our lives go on, but God is there with us to see us through. I hope today this word encourages you. I hope you know that with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Because that is Truth.