LET OTHERS KNOW WHERE YOUR STRENGTH COMES FROM – Acts 27:35
Acts 27:35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
Paul is a prisoner onboard a ship bound for Rome. However, while traveling they became caught in a storm that was so severe that no one ate any food for 14 days. Paul had heard from God that while the ship was going to sink, not a soul was going to die. Paul took a leadership role onboard even though he was a prisoner.
Paul told everyone that they needed to eat and that their lives were going to be spared. Paul then gave thanks to God for the food and set an example to those around him by eating. Because of Paul�s leading, the other individuals on the ship also eat a meal.
Imagine yourself being stuck in a storm on the sea that was so bad that you had no desire to eat any food. Now all of a sudden, you notice one individual who is so calm during the storm. You wonder what they have that is so different. Finally, you notice that they give thanks to God. Paul was calm because of the hope that was within him. However, Paul not only remained calm, he ensured that he testified to those around him as to the source of his strength when he took the time to publicly thank God for the food he was about to eat. Paul left no doubt upon his observers where his inner strength came from.
Paul was not the only individual on that boat facing a storm. Naturally, everyone on the boat was in the midst of a storm. While it is easy to see in Paul’s case how everyone was facing the same storm, it is not always that easy to know when those around you are facing extreme storms in their life. The way Paul was handling himself during the storm was a testimony to the others of what God can do through those who put their trust in HIM. It is important to follow the example of Paul and ensure that those around you understand that you have put your trust in HIM. It is important for those around you to know that you are able to persevere through the storm because of your hope in HIM.
You do not always know who is facing a storm. However, when you are facing a storm and there are others around you who understand that fact, you need to be careful to live your life in such a way that those who observe you understand that you serve God. God is the One who gives you peace in the midst of the storm. God is the One who rescues you and guides you. Why should you be the only person who knows where the source of your strength belongs? You have an obligation to God to ensure that HE is the reason why you have a testimony that is different from the average individual.
Paul had such a close relationship with God that he had no problem publicly praying. Paul desired that God receive the glory for HIS life and as such, there was no problem in his mind doing things that might cause people to realize he was religious. Paul did not fear man, he feared God. As such, Paul ensured he lived his life so that God received the glory. Paul’s life was a testimony to the world of how God directed his life.
Until you change your thinking and add virtue to your life, you are going to find yourself fearing man more then you fear God. God should be the center point of your life and it should be your desire that those around you recognize that HE is the source of your strength. Your testimony should be such that everyone knows God is in control.