"Paul admonished…, and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul." Acts 27:11

Everything possible was done to save the ship, but in vain. . . .Carried by the tempest they are cast on the island of Malta. But what is important for us is the position which the apostle occupies. All hope of escape is gone. But God now interposes, and by the means of a revelation made to Paul, revives the failing courage of the sufferers. . ..

The presence of God, and the divine knowledge he had received of what was to happen, had gained for him the confidence of all. . . .

Their salvation was to depend on God, and this had to be owned.. .. All the work had to be performed by God.

If we follow the counsels of God through His word, we shall avoid many mistakes. He can save us still when we err, but it will be through suffering and loss.

Israel refused to ascend the hill of the Amorites, and had therefore to remain thirty-eight years in the desert. Numbers 13 and Deuteronomy 1:44.

Here, Paul’s companions would not listen to his words, which were those of God, and they lost everything, except life. Their deliverance, it is evident, came from God alone, and was affected for the honour of His servant, whose words they had despised. It is always important for us to ascertain the will of God before entering any untried path. If we are assured of this, the difficulties
will be only difficulties;, and the help of God is enough to overcome them. But if we are not sure about His will, then doubt and weakness arise in the heart, because faith to count on God for help is not there, since we are not certain that the path is according to His will……..

The ship is then run aground…, and while the fore part remains fast the stern is broken by the violence of the waves.

But God is faithful to His promise… The wisdom of man went for nothing in the deliverance of the crew and the others. All had to resign themselves to God for salvation; and they were saved.

(From "Meditations on the Acts of the Apostles.)

FRAGMENT
Fierce was the wild billow; dark was the night;
Oars labored heavily; foam glimmered white;
Mariners trembled; peril was nigh;
Then said the God of might, "Peace, it is I!"

Ridge of the mountain wave, lower thy crest!
Wail of Euroclydon, be thou at rest!
Peril there none can be, sorrow must fly,
Where saith the Light of light, "Peace, it is I!”

Jesus, Deliverer! come Thou to Me!
Soothe Thou my voyaging over life’s sea;
Bid me be quiet as the storm sweeps by,
Whisper, O Truth of truth. "Peace, it is I!"