This is the first time I’ve paid much attention to the maps. It is so much more interesting now when I know the general locations!

Paul and other prisoners and the centurion start the voyage on the way from Caesarea to Rome but the time of year is not ideal. According to my notes, sailing didn’t happen in the fall/winter. Paul anticipates “danger and heavy loss…of the cargo and ship, but also [their] lives” (v10) but Paul is just a prisoner; the ship’s owner decides they sail anyway.

Faith is only as good in the light as it is in the dark.

This is another opportunity for Paul to trust God. Paul has no say about where he goes. He’s at the whim of people in charge. He offers his assessment but ultimately is ignored (v.11).

The practice for Paul and for us is to approach all situations out of our control with acceptance. Maybe Paul was angry or bitter but I suspect he wasn’t. (May we often check in with our attitudes!) Sometimes he receives reassurance from God clearly, and sometimes he doesn’t. In the moments when he doesn’t, he gets to practice remembering God is in charge anyway.

Where in my life am I frustrated with lacking control? Where am I blaming others for poor decisions that affect my life? Where am I angry about being ignored or overlooked?

I can do what is in my power physically and spiritually.

Prayer is my biggest power to remind me that what I see with my eyes is only part of the story. It is a moment by moment practice to respond to situations grounded on solid confidence in God