Acts 27:13-20

Acts 27:13-20
English Standard Version (ESV) 

  At what point did you give up?
  Think of your life as sailing a ship.  We navigate through whatever is before us -- sometimes this is calm waters, a pleasure to sail.  Often, there are turbulent storms, rocking us this way and that.  Sometimes the breeze disappears and we aren't certain what comes next, waiting on God to give us direction while we twist in uncertainty.
  At a certain point, we realize that we can't bring the ship into port on our own.  We realize that all of our strength and all of our wisdom and all of our energy can't save the ship.  At a certain point, the storms are too strong and the waves are too high and the night is too deep -- and we realize that we cannot save ourselves.
  At this point, we recognize the sovereignty and love of God.  At this point, we bow the knee to Christ.  Some are wiser and do so before the height of the storm, allowing them to brave the storm with the confidence that there is one stronger than the storm that protects them.  Others wait until the depths of night in the thick of the maelstrom to realize that only God can save.  All of us come to the realization at one point or another -- we must give up control to our God and King, and he alone can bring us safely to port, to finish our journey and lead us home.
  How long will you run in the storm, fearful and worried, before letting the peace of God calm your heart?  How long will you fight with the rudder and battle with the sails to try and do on your own what only God can do?  When will you acknowledge him as Lord and rest in his arms, at peace with God?