The ship is gone! Half gone, anyway. Useless, destroyed! Broken into pieces by the waves, the storm!

Luke gives us the details, since he was on the scene!

“And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose.” Acts 27:41-43

Normally the soldiers would have killed any prisoners on board. Not to do so might have cost them their own lives! (See Acts 12:19 for an example.)

But Julius (the Centurion in charge of Paul) would not allow his murder! He intervened on the Apostle’s behalf.

Isn’t it amazing (thrilling) how God brings people into our lives, some of whom aid us greatly at some point in our journey Heavenward.

Read this. “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel 1:9, and this friendship helped Daniel avoid the King’s wrath time and time again! It helped Daniel not to eat of that idol tainted meat, too!

And God miraculously brought Mordecai and Ahasuerus together as acquaintances … resulting in the sparing of the whole Israelite Nation!

What about Elijah and Elisha?

Or later in the New Testament … Philemon and Paul! From jail Paul hopes, trusts … “But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” Philemon 22

Stop now.

Thank of someone God has brought into your life!

Someone who has helped you tremendously!

My mind has already been flooded, but several names could be cited (but will remain anonymous) this very second.

Next … thank God for that person.

Then perhaps, if led of the Spirit … thank that individual later today.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother (an even more loyal friend) is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

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