When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

This is the end of a major trial for these almost 300 men. They spent over 14 days in a hurricane. They had probably been in adrenaline mode much of the time. Their lives flashed before their very eyes. And they had an experience with the Almighty God through Paul.

When we are in the midst of a trial, it can be really hard to see the end. It can seem like the hard situation will last forever. But it will not. God takes care of his children. He always does!

When Moses was talking to Joshua and handing off the leadership baton, so to speak, here is what it says in ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭7‬-‭8, “Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

God had a personal relationship with Moses back then. He was going to have a personal relationship with Joshua. And now, because of Jesus, his death to pay for our sins and his resurrection to advocate for us with God, we too can have a personal relationship with him.

And he tells us, in essence, the same thing God told Joshua back then. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬)

Can you feel the strength in your spirit and the encouragement in your heart? God has great things planned for you! He loves you and wants the best for you!

Lord, thank you for the courage and strength you give us to face trials unimaginable in this world. With you, I can take courage against the seemingly insurmountable in life! Fill me today and keep my heart in your hands, I pray!