READ: Acts 27
THINK: A Sunday school teacher gave every boy in his class a New Testament and encouraged each of them to write his own name inside the front cover. Several weeks later, after repeatedly inviting the boys to receive Christ as their Savior, he asked those who had done so to write these words under his name: “I accept Jesus.” One boy scribbled instead, “I expect Jesus.” When the teacher talked to him, he realized that the boy knew what he had written after all. He had not only trusted the Lord for salvation but expected Him to be with him at all times and to do all He had promised.
That boy’s statement presents a simple yet profound commentary on the true meaning of faith. In Acts 27, we see the apostle Paul’s expectant faith. He was a prisoner being transported by ship to Rome when a violent storm arose and threatened to destroy the vessel. During the night, an angel of the Lord told Paul they would all survive (vv.23-24). He knew the word of the Lord could be trusted. In the midst of the storm, he said, “I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (v.25). And so it was.
It should be no surprise to us when God keeps His word. It’s to be expected. There are so many times in our lives when we’re tempted to believe that God isn’t present or wont show up the way he has promised us he would. Like Paul, we can be confident that he will! Attempt great things for God, and expect great things from God.
PRAY: Thank God for his presence in your life. Expect him today to be there when and where you need him. He is for you and he is present!
– Adapted from Richard De Haan in Our Daily Bread
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