Reading about Paul’s Mediterranean cruise this morning in Acts 27. I think he should ask for his money back.

Poor sailing conditions. Bad decision making. A “tempestuous wind, called the northeaster.” All leading to being so “storm-tossed” that they “jettison the cargo,” they “threw the ship’s tackle overboard,” they run out of food, and “all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.” Did I say Paul should be asking for a refund?

But God has plans for Paul in Rome. And God’s purposes lead to a midnight promise. And a midnight promise prompts the following proclamation:

“Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

(Acts 27:21-25 ESV)

The God to whom I belong. Hmmm . . .

The God whose I am. The God who has purchased me for His own. The God who has set me apart. The God who has translated me out of the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light. The God who has adopted me as a son. The God who has betrothed me as part of the Bride. The God to whom I belong.

I know it’s about Him, but what comfort to know that He’s made it about me as well. He is the God to whom I belong.

Good to know in the storm. Worth remembering when the ship’s going down.

Not many of us are going to have that reality refreshed by a visiting angel in the night, but I can be reminded of it by opening my bible every day. Happened this morning.

So take heart. Have faith. Ride out the storm by His all sufficient grace. Have faith that it will be exactly as God has determined.

For He is the God to whom we belong.

Saved by grace. Being saved by grace. Yet to be saved by grace.

And all for His glory.

Amen?