“ But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea… The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. … The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.” – Acts 27:14-19.
Most people have been asked at some point whether they want to hear the good news or the bad news. Most people prefer to hear bad news before good news. This allows them to address the unpleasant information upfront and conclude on a positive note. Nobody wants to hear only bad news.
There is both good and bad news in the story about Paul found in Acts 27-28. The news is good initially, as Paul was going to leave for Rome after waiting for several years. Then there is some bad news in the form of a major storm. Then there was worse news as they sailed for days with no sun, no food, and no hope. Then there was good news: an angel came to Paul to tell him he was still going to get to Rome and that no one would lose their life. So Paul said to the crew, “So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island” (Acts 27:25-26).
So why does God give us 44 verses to tell this story? One possible reason is to remind us He is sovereign. What He does often doesn’t make sense to us, nor does He do things the way we would. But that’s what makes Him God. Yet God is in this story and is in total control of everything, especially the things that don’t make sense.
Let’s look more closely at this “good news, bad news” story. After a long season of waiting, Paul was finally on his way to Rome. This shouldn’t surprise us, because God had told him he would go there. Paul’s confidence in God’s promise was strong, but as usual for him, the process wasn’t an easy one. This story should remind us that what we might see as bad news—difficult and discouraging things—is often the very means God uses to eventually encourage us as we see Him working things out in our lives.
The storm they encountered was bad. We may not have the same type of storms. Day after day went by, and they couldn’t even tell light from darkness. It is hard to imagine what that was like. Of course, they were discouraged. They were finally heading to the destination God had called them to, to stand before Caesar in Rome, but a trip that should have taken about four or five weeks took four months, with all kinds of twists and turns where things didn’t go their way.
The greatest gift we’ve been given in the face of trials is faith. When problems are staring us head-on, it’s hard to see around them to the beneficial outcome God intends. To face trials as God intends, we must have faith. We must believe that God has a useful outcome in mind, despite the trial being hard. We must have faith that God will guide us through every problem that stands in our way and instill in us a steadfastness that enables us to experience an abundant life.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you react to bad news? How does trusting in God help you cope with bad news?
- How can you be a source of strength and hope for those who are facing difficult times?