Deciding to Sail

"When it was decided that we would sail for Italy…" Acts 27:1a

When you are arrested and in the system, you don’t get to make many, if any, decisions about your arrangements. In the hospital, in school, in church, at work even…you do get some choices. But under arrest, in jail, in prison, and to an extent even on probation/parole, you are pretty much at the mercy of the system. What you get to do and the rules, consequences and conditions are arranged by someone else. Paul was waiting to be sent to Rome for over two years. Maybe this is why he has such a heart for prisoners, who along with widows and orphans (whom we have far more compassion for) are lumped together as those who should be visited, prayed for, and especially ministered to. Jail is hard. But when you lose your freedom, rights, and choices, you are still responsible for how you handle it. Even when it is decided for you, you can still embrace the opportunity whatever the limitations are. Paul is falsely accused, wrongfully arrested, and unjustly punished, yet he still makes the best of his situation. He says that no matter what situation he finds himself in, he is content. Contentment can even come in confinement. It’s not easy, but when you truly trust God you can cope with faith and trust no matter what the circumstances. Luke is writing Acts and he is part of the “we” here in verse 1a. He stands by his arrested brother in Christ, Paul, and rolls with the decision to wait two years and then, all of the sudden, sail for Italy. Whether you are confined to not driving, or taking medication, or living with friends, or whatever your restriction, embrace it. See God in it. Let God lead you through it. His grace is sufficient. Jesus knows your pain, your trouble and your purpose. Let him guide you and comfort you and work behind the scenes and though the process. Yes, even through the system. Hey, sailing sure beats waiting, even with a centurion watching over you all the time. Paul shows us how to deal with it. Luke shows us how to roll with those who are dealing with it. We can learn how to embrace our situations and circumstances and make the best of them by trusting the Lord.

On His Terms,
Pastor Fred

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