Daily Devotions

When Luke was writing about Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27:25, listen to Paul’s words, “Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” (NASB).
Here’s the question for today, “Do YOU believe God?”
There are times in our lives when you may feel as if you’re walking in sweet fellowship and communion with the Lord and that will never end. But then, if we are honest, we experience seasons when He appears so distant from us and you wonder what’s blocking your fellowship with Him.
Yes, some of the seeming disconnect may be due to unconfessed sin. The Psalmist, in Psalm 66:18 tells us, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” So, because of unconfessed sin in my life there is a disconnect with the Lord. The remedy is found in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That being the case, our fellowship with the Lord is restored.
But unconfessed sin is not always the case why the Lord seems so distant. Remember, His goal is to build your faith, and that may mean removing any visible evidence of help as you continue to trust Him.
This was certainly true for Paul. Transported as a prisoner to Rome – where he knew he’d die for preaching about Jesus – the ship Paul was traveling on was destroyed by a strong violent storm. The crew went without food or relief from the storm for many days, but Paul didn’t once question why God allowed the suffering. Instead, he refused to give up hope. Paul knew the Lord was working all circumstances for good, no matter how desperate the situation appeared.
What about you? Even when you don’t sense the Lord presence and all your circumstances seem pretty bleak, can you continue to testify as Paul did, “I believe God?” Will you allow Him to grow your faith through whatever storm you are facing right now?
May your prayer be, “Lord, I will take courage, for I believe You. I trust it will be just as You’ve promised me, amen.”
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