The calm before the storm

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

(Acts 27:38, KJV)

A violent storm stopped Paul's voyage to Rome, yet, God's plan still unfolded. Sometimes, the storm of life is where God wants you for an opportunity. Equally, Paul experienced such an opportunity that affected 276 individuals on a cargo ship because of a storm.

You are familiar with the idiom, the calm before the storm, which means a period of peace before a disturbance or crisis. The verse above references that period of calmness on the Mediterranean Sea, where 276 individuals on a cargo ship bounded to Rome, Italy. As one reflects on any particular crisis, one can always pinpoint the calmness before the crisis. When one uses this idiom, one automatically thinks about the need to brace oneself during the storm by exaggerating the calmness that precedes the storm. However, I recognize something different during this period of calmness.

First, the Scriptures indicated that the timing of this voyage occurred passed the autumn equinox when storms became likely. Secondly, the ship contained a precious cargo of Egypt's finest grain destined for Rome markets during the winter when this commodity was scarce. Although the captain intended to leave the port of Good Harbor on the Island of Crete and sail west to the port of Phoenix, a better harbor on the same island; however, nature had another option. The crew lost control of the ship to this storm as it altered the outcome. On the 14th day of this storm, a semi-calmness intervened, and Paul addressed the 276 passengers as follows:

33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. "For the last fourteen days," he said, "you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven't eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. (Acts 27:33-38 NIV)

These verses revealed an opportunity that God created for Paul. First, notice the encouraging words by Paul. Afterward, Paul began breaking bread and giving thanks to God in front of them all. In other words, they worshipped God during the calmness, leading them to throw the precious grain into the sea. Remember, the grain was the primary reason the ship sailed to Rome, yet, they replaced this resource (money) with the source of life, God. The remedy for life's storms is always worship. Worship caused the crew to lighten the ship's load, resulting in all 276 lives saved. What an opportunity Paul experienced as a result of this storm! Like the Apostle Paul, we should seek opportunities when life's storms arise.

The Calm before the Storm