Pass Through to Get to

Text: Acts 27:18-24
MORE LESSONS:2 Cor. 4:8-9, 17
Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chron. 20-22

In our first reading, Paul has appealed to Caesar in Rome and at take off, God tells him he is going to get to Rome. But the journey on the sea turns out to be a terrible experience because the wind is contrary to them. In fact it’ s so bad that for 14 days they can't eat, they go into an unplanned and unproclaimed marathon fast for 14 days. However, the Angel of the Lord assures Paul, ...Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee: Acts 27:24. It happens as the Lord says, the ship is lost but the people are saved, and they all get to Rome.

This story paints a picture of many in the journey of destiny when experience and situation turn out to be very terrible. Many people at such times start doubting God and ask questions like, Why I in such a bad time as this when God told me the destination will be good? I want you to know that nobody gets to without passing through. You should not count such times when you are passing through as bad times but as a passage t o your glorious destination. There are things you have to pass through in order to get to where you are going.

As a student you might be going through stress, making sacrifices and to eat might even be a difficulty now but by the time you finish school brilliantly and your certificate starts opening doors for you, you am will thank God for all the things you endure as a student. Difficulties should not always be seen as bad times because sometimes they are to make you on your way to where you are going. When you are still in the process of going through, it might be difficult to believe and accept that God is aware of your plight but when you begin to reap the harvest of the pain, then you will thank God for taking you through the pain and stress.

Paul knows that those fourteen days are just a passing time and not a permanent situation, so he could encourage the others in the ship. Eventually they get to where God intends taking them to. No matter what you are passing through today , I want you to be encouraged in the Lord because you will still get to your glorious destination, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee: Isa 43:2

Prayer/Action
* Declare that every challenge you face will become a testimony for you.
* Prophesy that no evil time will swallow you up.
* Declare that every test will become a testimony.