Image of a ship's anchor on the sea floor

Day

27

Your Light and Your Way

Lent 2019

But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. . . When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

Acts 27:14-15, 20

Life would be great if it was always smooth sailing! Unfortunately, that’s not usually how things work.

Our broken world ensures that there will always be storms and shipwrecks along the way and works hard to convince us to trust in ourselves to get out of a jam. God’s love for us in Jesus ensures that there is a better way - an anchor for our lives and eternal hope for our souls. The question is, where will you place your trust?

Acts 27 tells the story of the Apostle Paul’s journey to Italy and eventually to Rome where he would stand trial before Caesar. The Centurion guarding Paul secures passage on a large ship out of Alexandria, most likely carrying grain, with 276 passengers on board. The problem was, they were getting a late start in the sailing season, the winds were against them, and they risked the storms of the Mediterranean.

But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. . . When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. (Acts 27:14-15, 20)

So, what do you do when you’re caught up in one of life’s storms, can’t find your bearings, done everything you know how to do, and still find yourself out of control?

Look up and see the One who is your Light and your Way. He always shines through darkness. This storm didn’t surprise Him – none of them do. He’s not the last option, He’s the first! While the storms won’t always go away, your Savior will always make the journey with you. Trust Him. He is the anchor that will never fail. He is the One who brings you safely to land!

Pres. Mike Gibson
Pacific Southwest District, LCMS

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