December 29, 2011

Sailing Through Life

Generally speaking most of us hope to be an example to others around us, but I’m wondering if we sometimes underestimate our simple physical presence. As Paul & Company, (276 men in all) were about to be shipwrecked an angel appeared to Paul and said, “…God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:24b NIV) Putting myself in Paul’s place I’m trying to wrap my head around God giving me the lives of those with whom I work, or volunteer and serve with. I wonder how many lives may have been saved during war or terrorists attacks simply because there was one God-fearing man or woman who kept their courage and faith in God.

5 comments:

Steve Corey said...

Gail;

-----I think you make a profound point. Paul’s example that you gave has kind of a flipside in Jonah’s situation. They were saved by throwing him overboard. Abraham even negotiated with the Lord regarding this formula of how many good people’s presence might be necessary to save Sodom and Gomorrah from their end. Then, if you want to expand the scope of the point greatly, God withholds His wrath from the world until all who will be saved have come to Him. Then He drops the hammer. And I think that naturally calls up the thought of all who will eternally stand in the presence of God because of one man who lived a good life amongst them. There definitely seems to be something at work.

Love you all,
Steve Corey

Unknown said...

Wow, great thought! This is what the "Christian Walk" is all about..living life side by side with people who are searching for the answer that we have,if we are willing and obedient to not only give them, but walk it out with them as well!!

Christian Ear said...

Wynter,
Glad to have you join the discussion. I like your thought of ‘walking it out with them’. So often we believers are more in the mind set of having people follow us.
Gail

Jordan Wilcox said...

This is a very good post. Those who believe in Christ's teachings are an example to all those who do not, and through our rightous actions and faith shall many be brought to the light and be saved, and by our prayers and faith shall many around us be saved as was those who were with paul.

Christian Ear said...

Hi Elder Wilcox,
Welcome to the conversation and thanks for the feedback.
Gail