StormProofSample

Have you ever been in a storm that was created by the actions or accusations of others? Some storms seem grossly unfair, decidedly undeserved, or quite unjustifiable. Paul, the great champion of the gospel of Jesus Christ, found himself in such a storm. 

Paul had been arrested for obeying the injunction of Jesus Christ and preaching the hopeful message of salvation. After having made his defense before King Agrippa and the Roman governor Festus, Paul was being sent to Rome because he had appealed to Caesar. He was placed on a ship—the fastest means of transportation of the day for long-distance travel—along with other prisoners who were being sent to Italy. 

It wasn’t long into the journey before the vessel hit winds that were “contrary.” This sailing ship made a wise decision to seek shelter around the coast of Cyprus. Cyprus is an island on the eastern side of the Mediterranean ocean. Rather than head into the open sea when the sailing conditions were so unstable, the ship hugged the shoreline of the safest place it could find. 

Likewise, when contrary winds come storming against our journey in life, one of the first and most important things we must do is to discern the safest possible place to sail toward for shelter. 

The only shelter that will protect you from the winds of negative circumstances and the gales of trauma is the shelter of Jesus Christ. We all know that our only truly safe place is Jesus—but do we choose to shelter there? Do you choose Jesus when your life is sailing through perilous winds and jeopardous waters? 

Of all the choices that are yours to make at a juncture of ferocious circumstances or hostile treatment from other people, choose the safest place to weather the storm. Emotions have no saving power, materialism will only mislead you, and the prevailing cultural answers will merely give a false sense of security. Therefore, choose wisely and choose quickly—choose the true Shelter. His name is Jesus.