READING: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 32, 51; Acts 27
Twice in today’s reading, we read of the preservation of Paul’s life. First, an angel gives him that promise despite the fact that Paul is in a storm-tossed ship with hungry prisoners. God still intended for Paul to share the gospel in Rome, and He would preserve Paul’s life to let that happen.
Later, the shipwrecked sailors determined to kill the prisoners (among whom was Paul) so they could not swim away and escape – but the guard over them wanted to save Paul’s life. In fact, everyone reached the shore safely.
What grabs my attention today is that sometime later, Paul would indeed die for his faith. He would run the race and fight the fight well until then, but God would not always provide a way of escape apart from death. Sometimes God preserved Paul’s life, but eventually God called him home. That time would come when God was finished using Paul in his earthly ministry.
The story is no different for us. God has already numbered our days. Until He calls us to Him, we must serve Him with our entire being.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for holding my life in Your hands.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review