Hurricane Ivan caused massive destruction along the Gulf Coast and flooding along its north-eastward trek. This storm effected the lives of millions, and the cost in damages are in the billions. I recall in the Bible an account of a ship named Adramyttium, and it was being tossed upon the boiling and raging sea, whipped about by a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. There was a dear passenger aboard that ship, the Apostle Paul.
Before setting sail, Paul had warned the centurion that voyage will be with hurt and much damage (Acts 27:10). But the master and owner
of the ship did not heed Paul’s warnings. They left their safe haven supposing a soft south wind was a good sign for a safe voyage. However, things quickly changed. The Bible says that they were exceedingly tossed with a tempest (v.18). The following verses describe a desperate and long struggle to survive. At one point we are told, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away (v. 20).
God’s servant and preacher was on that ship, and in verse 21, we read that Paul after long abstinence (fasting), and I believe much prayer, reveals to the men of the ship some good news. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee (vs. 23,24).
As long as Paul was on that ship, no harm would come to the crew. Paul was a Roman prisoner and God’s will was for him to be brought before Caesar. Dear Christian, we are called to a much higher purpose and calling than to merely perish by the catastrophes that plague this old earth. We are salt and light in the world and though we are on the same ship (the world) with the lost, we ought to turn to God on their behalf, that they might be saved.
Think of it! As long as Noah preached, the people were safe from the flood. But when he entered the ark and God shut the door, judgment came. God used Joseph to feed Israel in the jaws of Egypt until the exodus. Egypt was blessed and preserved from the famine. They were blessed until Israel crossed over the Jordan. Then judgment came upon them. The same is true about Lot. Sodom was spared while Lot dwelt there, but after he was taken out, the city was destroyed. Once the church is snatched away in the “rapture,” the world will be deceived by the Antichrist and the seven years of tribulation will begin. Christian, what are you doing? Are you just riding out the storm or interceding for the lost? Are you witnessing and praying? Are you crying out in despair like those perishing without hope? God will take care of us, so let’s take this opportunity to win the lost to Christ before it is too late.