Bold Declarations

Scripture:

Acts 27:22 "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed".

Observation:

Paul was on board a boat that had been through fourteen days of hurricane force winds.  It appeared that there was no hope of them getting off of that boat because of the storm.  The men had thrown everything over board and give up hope.  Paul stepped in at this time and tells them that not one of them was going to die if they would listen to him.  He tells them he had seen an angel who let him know everyone was going to be okay.

Application;

Sometimes we find ourselves in bad situations where we really don't know what to do.  In those situations, sometimes we need to make some bold declarations.  Paul made a bold declaration of faith that everyone was going to be okay if they would listen to him.  There are times when we need to make strong faith declarations, but we also need to know we have heard from God when we make them.  If Paul had been wrong, they surely would have killed him, yet he spoke what the angel said anyway.  There is a time for bold declarations because in the end, those who hear them and see them come true will believe in God.

Prayer:

Father, increase my faith.  Help me to walk in Your authority more and more in my life.  Teach me to follow You and do what You say, even when that is a bold faith declaration that could be risky.  First, let me hear Your voice more clearly every day, then let me be bold enough to say what You have said.

Yours,
Jeff