“Be of Good Cheer”

In Acts 27, the Apostle Paul found himself aboard a ship in what scripture calls, a tempestuous storm. Amid this storm, a time came when Paul and the other passengers had seen neither sun nor stars for many days. Luke writes, “…all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.” Acts 27:20

From the description given, I am certain it would have appeared that way to me as well. But the Apostle Paul encouraged the men to “…be of good cheer…” Acts 27:22 Why? Even though it appeared as though all hope was lost, Paul assured them that there would be no loss of life. His confidence came from GOD’S Word. The angel of the LORD assured Paul of survival when impending death appeared to be certain. “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, GOD has granted you all those who sail with you.” Acts 27:24

Despite the bleakness of their situation, Paul encourages the men to take heart, saying “I believe that it will be just as it has been told me.” Acts 27:25

There are storms in life; NO ONE is exempt. We certainly do not always understand them. While facing those tempestuous storms, if you ever feel as though all hope is lost, remember the promises of GOD and be confident that it shall be just as we have been told.

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2^nd Corinthians 4:16-5:1