Impossible Odds

“This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Paul’s journey in Acts 27 from Caesarea to Rome involves two ships, many stops, and a Nor’easter.

I’ve seen enough episodes of Deadliest Catch to know how dangerous the seas can be. The fisherman onboard the ships highlighted in that documentary are equipped with technology of today, and still the rough dynamics of the weather at sea take ships and lives to a watery grave on the sea floor. Many ships and their sailors never to be found or recovered again. Not only was Paul caught in a deadliest storm, but he was also a prisoner surrounded by his captives. No high-tech navigation systems, and the stars were not seen nor was the sun for days. None aboard listening to his urgent counsel regarding safe passage in the late September voyage.

Tossed and turned by the waves, tackle and cargo cast overboard - including their small boat. Running out of food with the ship being driven by the wind and waves as it runs aground and the only way to safe land is to swim or drift in on planks. Soldiers planning to kill prisoners, so they don’t escape by jumping overboard. Yet Paul, hungry and slowly recovering from a beating his body will never fully heal from, urges the men to keep up their courage for no life will be lost, only the ship will succumb to the storm. Paul knows God will be seen in this voyage and has faith he will reach his destination - for in the storm an Angel of God stood before him telling him not to be afraid and to stand before Caesar.

Paul knew a journey to Rome from Caesarea was no easy trip when he asked to appeal to Caesar. He chose the impossible odds; he chose to stay the course of his faith even if it meant death at sea.

There will be times in our walk with Christ where the odds will be stacked against us, darkness all around us and in that moment may we stay the course of our faith. So that, in our weakness, He is made strong. So that, those who witness will say, "Only God could have saved them!" So that, they will see Jesus in our trials. May we encourage others not to lose faith, to stay the course and be steadfast in their faith. For what is freedom on earth if it ends in eternal prison?
~Nikki Fiedler