When some sailors planned to save their own lives and abandon the rest, the lifeboats were cut from the ship. Read Acts 27:27-32. As I write this devotion, Hurricane Melissa is pounding the islands in the Caribbean and causing death and damage. Acts 27 is a story of Apostle Paul being transported as a prisoner to Rome. While they were in the Adriatic Sea, a hurricane came upon them and pounded the ship for 14 days. Luke wrote, “We finally gave up all hope of being saved.” Sensing they were close to land and in danger of being destroyed by rocks, some sailors tried to abandon the boat and the rest of the crew by lowering the lifeboats. When they were discovered, the lifeboats were cut loose. On the fourteenth night of the storm, the Apostle Paul brought the crew together for a meal. He assured them they would all survive. Then he took bread, gave thanks to God, and everyone ate until they were satisfied. The next day, the boat ran aground on the island of Malta. This very suspenseful story has a happy ending, but I find it intriguing that Paul gave thanks during the storm when most had given up all hope of surviving. Normally, we give thanks after the storm. Paul gave thanks during the storm. May we remember to always give thanks, whether it is before, during, or after the storms of life.

Dear Lord, although we don’t know the outcome of the current storm, we pause to give thanks to you for every blessing. Our life is in your hands, regardless of the journey or the outcome. Let every step we take in the storm be a step of faith. Amen.