After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. Acts 28:1
I’ve been to Malta….what a beautiful island country! I even visited places Paul supposedly lived while on the island. Paul apparently enjoyed his time there.
Here’s the point that struck me about this verse. Paul was headed safely to a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, but he didn’t know where he was going until he got there. In fact, there were certainly times, on a boat in stormy seas, when he wasn’t sure he would even make it. Yet, he did. God had a plan and Paul landed on the island…called Malta.
How many times in our life do we wonder what the end will be? How many times can we not see the outcome and wonder if we will ever land safely on the other side of the storm? How many times? Can you count the number?
As someone once said, “faith would be an easier subject if you didn’t have to live it.”
Are you having to trust God for the unseen island in your future these days?
Just for fun, and maybe so a few people can pray for you, what are you waiting most on God to provide these days?
What are you asking Him to do for you?
Ron, I've loved exploring your blog. It has come at a timely point in my career where I have just moved into a senior staff position and have been struggling with my role as a leader – so thank you! Since entering ministry (I work with a faith-based nonprofit as a fundraiser), God has been trying to teach me about His role in my life as the provider, both at work and at home.
Its a long, uphill battle, exposing my fears, lack of trust and the weak areas of my faith. I'm praying for Christ to be continually revealed as the only source of my provision and for my slow-to-learn spirit to internalize these often painful lessons.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Your post hit me right where I am, Ron. After almost 30 years in full-time ministry, I was suddenly and, in my opinion, very unfairly, dismissed after just 9 months at my current church. We know this hasn't caught God by surprise, but it certainly has been a shock to me and my wife. We're trying to live what we know, even though we aren't very close to feeling it just yet.
Thanks for what you do.
Praying for you. This is a hard place to be.
This has always been a problem for me. I want to see where I am going. Not that I need to see the destination so much as to know that I am on the right path. God is really teaching me to trust and have faith; which I find very hard…and that may sound weird for a Christian to say that. It's not like I don't believe that He has a plan or that He will guide me astray. It's more not having any clue what dangers like on the road. Just because He has a plan doesn't mean that I will like the interim steps. I guess I'm tired of pain and would like to see the pleasant light at the end of the tunnel; heck I'm not sure I'm even in a tunnel… 🙂
Ron- this post is very timely for me. My friend and I are praying for the “Big 12,” twelve requests that are God-sized. Two of the things we’ve been asking God for are ONE and GRACE to permeate our church. A God type of unity, and grace to characterize our church and relationships. Although God has done some amazing things, it seemed this weekend that things are falling apart again. It’s hard in the midst of it to believe. My friend and I try to help each other. Thank you for these words. I would appreciate prayers for this and for our leadership to be a cord of three.
I'll certainly pray for you. And others will as they read this.
It's all about mental happiness and peace. Satisfaction in work and peace in personal life. That's it!
Thanks Uma.