Acts 27:25 — “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.”

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could control everyone around us? Often there are times when we are forced into difficult situations because of decisions made by someone else. We may know the right thing to do, but are powerless to act.

Instead, we are at the mercy of another’s lack of wisdom. These circumstances may be frustrating, but we are not left alone as helpless victims of another’s insanity. God is still in control, and we can fully trust Him to accomplish His purposes.

The angry winds howled around the battered ship with fierce malice. The reeling vessel was barely held in place by a lone anchor dangling beneath the churning waves. On deck, the captain and crew frantically tried to hold the ship together in the face of the hurricane by passing ropes underneath the straining hull.

Thick darkness surrounded them and reached out inky fingers tightening around the men’s terrified hearts, squeezing out their last ounces of courage. The crew had thrown all the supplies overboard to lighten the ship’s load and, weakened by lack of food, they were beginning to lose hope of survival.

Paul was en route to Rome, although he had warned the ship’s captain it was too late in the season to set out to sea. The decision was made against Paul’s will and he, along with the rest of the crew, was now in danger of losing his life.

Out of the gloom and darkness Paul heard a comforting voice: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Paul recognized despite the captain’s bad decision, God’s plan could not be thwarted.

He repeated these words of comfort to the fearful men, and their courage returned. God stepped into the storm, delivered the crew, and Paul finished the task that God had for him.

Many times in life we are placed in difficult situations against our will. The bad decisions of others force us into places we never wanted to be, and we feel helpless to change the course of our life.

Take courage! God’s perfect plan will never be thwarted by anything or anyone. If you listen, in the midst of the storm, you, like Paul, can hear His voice saying, “Keep up your courage, my loved one! Trust me.”

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com