“Is fear coming at you from all sides? Then let God speak to you. Let God give you what he gave the sailors: perfect peace.”- Max Lucado
” . . . Paul stood in the midst of them [sailors] and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.”- Acts 27:21-22 (NKJV)
Max Lucado continues Chapter 8 of Anxious for Nothing as he underscores that God takes responsibility for the hearts and minds of His sons and daughters. As we celebrate Him and approach Him in prayer, God constructs a fortress around our hearts and minds. That fortress protects us from the attacks of Satan.
When Paul penned his Letter to the Philippians, he’d recently endured a storm on the Mediterranean Sea (Acts 27). On this final recorded voyage, Paul boarded a ship in Caesarea destined for Italy. Not wanting to winter in Fair Havens, the ship’s captain ignored Paul, the Jewish preacher, and set sail for a better harbor.
However, the ship ran headlong into a northeaster. Along with a winter sea, cumbersome boat, ferocious wind, and impatient crew, these components blended into the perfect storm. Most noteworthy, the experienced sailors gave up hope. Paul, the preacher, became the “courier of courage.”
So, Max asks, what does Paul say about the perfect storm that you need to hear? Do you feel fear coming at you from all sides/ If so, let God speak to you and give you perfect peace.
In conclusion, Max observes, when we ignore God’s warnings, a scolding is in order. Although we don’t like it, in such cases, Max exhorts, receive God’s rebuke. Consequently, God corrects those He loves, and He loves you. Therefore:
- stand corrected
- confess your sin
- resolve to do better
- be wiser next time
- learn from your poor choice
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you rebuke fear when it comes at you from all sides? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Floundering between offered and answered prayer”
