“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of ActsSample

Fight Chaos with Worship
In today's reading, Paul finally set sail for Rome! The voyage started pretty well. But at a certain point, they got stuck in such a bad storm that they "gave up all hope of being saved." (27:20) Then, after 14 days without food, they managed to eat something before the ship crashed into a sandbar!
What caught my attention here was not so much the epic journey. What I really want to know is what was going on in Paul's heart.
Peace Amidst Chaos
Let’s go back to the beginning. The author Luke talked about the "kindness" of Julius, the centurion who was tasked with the responsibility of taking Paul to Rome. That’s a good start. However, as the voyage became more difficult and dangerous, Paul warned his companion that the journey will be "disastrous" and there would be "great loss" to the ship, cargo, and even human lives! (27:10)
True to Paul's word, the situation became so bad that they had to throw the ship's tackle overboard, cut the ropes to the lifeboat, and even throw all the grain into the sea! However, amidst all these, God appeared to Paul.
"Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar." Moreover, all 276 people on board will also be safe! (27:24, 37)
Worship Amidst Chaos
After comforting the sailors, Paul "took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat." (27:35)
Does this look familiar? Yes! The Last Supper! Amidst all the chaos and danger, Paul chose to remember Jesus and worship God! And he did it in front of all the non-believers! Paul never forgot his mission even in the middle of a crisis!
Let's be honest. No number of words can truly comfort us. No amount of encouragement can bring us real peace of heart! Even after reading the Bible, your heart can still go wild! True peace comes when you worship in the midst of chaos.
My friend, this is the best advice I can ever give you. Let your heart remember. Keep worshipping when it is hard. This is how we journey through the "in between normals."
Reflection:
What is your normal response when you face chaos? How can worship amidst chaos bring peace to our hearts?
Scripture
About this Plan

We are living in a strange world. The "old normal" has been taken from us. The "new normal" is yet to come. How shall we live in this strange space called “In Between Normals”? Come! Let’s walk alongside Paul and the early disciples to see how they navigated their “In Between Normals.” Let their journey be your guide! Let the Word of God speak to your heart! -Pastor Albert Ng
More
We would like to thank Pastor Albert Ng for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.islandecc.hk/
Related Plans

Our Father...

Radically Restored—to Oneness With Another

God in 60 Seconds - Sporting Life

Uncharted: Ruach, Spirit of God

I'm Just a Guy: Who Feels Alone

It's Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing

Hear

Multiply the Mission: Scaling Your Business for Kingdom Impact

When You’re Desperate: 21 Days of Honest Prayer
