10th. March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. — Acts 27:20

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many questions about seafarers’ being able to get home. Long delays, extended contracts, and quarantine requirements weighed heavily, and the sheer uncertainty of when it all might be over caused mental anguish. Facing a storm can be hard enough, but when people face the possibility that the storm might not pass, they can run the risk of losing all hope.

The story in Acts 27 describes the apostle Paul traveling to Rome as a prisoner on a ship. Bad weather at sea could be expected for a few days at a time, but in this case the ship was caught in a storm that had been raging for a couple of weeks. Without seeing the sun or stars, the sailors could not even guess the position of their vessel. The crew and passengers must have felt battered and beaten. The text says they had stopped eating; many gave up hope and were ready to die.

But God sent an angel to give everyone a message through Paul: “. . . God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” They were soon shipwrecked, but all were able to get to shore safely. The storm ended. God was directing the situation, even when they had lost human hope. From North American Maritime Ministry Association, Montréal PQ.

Dear God, strengthen our faith and show us the hope that is found in you. Keep us safe when storms rage in our lives. We ask for the protection of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Guide and direct your Church, O Lord, that in essentials we may preserve our unity, in non-essentials we may live in liberty and diversity and in all things, we may exist in love and charity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Rupertus Meldenius (1582-1651

God of all, whose love welcomes each person, in a world where many feel they have no place, help us to remember that you offer a place for all, that no one is excluded from your love and that each has a home in your kingdom of justice and peace. When we are tempted to think ourselves more important than others, remind us of the special place you hold for people who are poor, weary and dispossessed, and for those who are neglected, reviled or unjustly treated. Help us to share in your righteous anger against all that harms our sisters and brothers, to rejoice in your all-encompassing love and to see in our neighbour the face of Christ, who makes us one. Amen.