7. Acts 27
1 …it was determined that we should sail into Italy,
4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
14 …not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said,
22 I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
44 And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
I am so grateful for these verses this week, because it has further impressed upon me to live this Science at all times. Had Paul been at times wise and other times foolish, or occasionally caught lying (1), or baselessly optimistic, or disingenuous at all, no one would have been the least bit relieved when he said what he did. However, Paul was always serving God, and was unabashed and unapologetic about it — and what’s more, he also was always demonstrating. His words came to everyone on the ship with strength, certainty, and comfort, reminiscent of Christ Jesus’ statement, “my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
How many times has “no small tempest lay on us” and practitioner support brought this same peace and good cheer? Many, many times for me! I am so grateful that Christian Science, this Church, and practitioner support provide the means to learn and grow so that we also may serve God and bring comfort to those in need. What a blessing to be a member here! Thank you!
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(1) When Aristotle was asked what a person could gain by uttering a falsehood, he replied, “Not to be credited when he shall tell the truth.” — Miscellaneous Writing, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 226