Tiny Ship Was Tossed

Acts 27:18-21 
18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.  21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.

The tiny ship was tossed and all seemed lost in the raging storm, with desperate moves to throw even the needed tackle overboard to lighten the ship and avoid sinking.  The storm grew darker so even the sun at day and stars at night could not be seen.  They gave up all hope.  Then after much fasting , Paul addressed the ship’s beleaguered crew to remind them of the warning from God to not set sail. He did this not to criticize, but to point to the God who knows and cares.  The one offering hope and light in the helplessness of sin’s darkness and life’s storms.  Even in these circumstances Paul pointed to God’s mercy and grace in Christ, for he lived for the gospel’s sake in the hearts of men.