Shipwrecked On God

The Apostle Paul, anointed influential teacher of Christianity, imparts great truths to the body of Christ. More than any other disciple or apostle, God entrusted him with a monumental chore of setting forth and explaining the revelations of Jesus Christ. Paul knew the One who appeared to him on Damascus road was the risen Lord. From that day forth, he embraced the glorious task of carrying ‘good news’ to the then-known world.

Remembering the late Vance Havner from North Carolina and preacher of the gospel circa 1920s-1980s, I recall one of his meaningful catchphrases: “Shipwrecked on God, stranded on Omnipotence”. In my opinion, this memorable saying describes the Apostle Paul to a tee “…although formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief “ (1 Timothy 1:13a, 15b NKJV).

Paul endured horrendous sufferings while birthing churches and bringing many sons to glory. We see one such incident recorded in Acts 27 where Paul (a prisoner), shipwrecked during a voyage toward Rome along with 276 passengers. They met endangerment upon a tempestuous storm but Paul received Divine assurance that all lives would be spared.

Much like Paul, we’ll meet numerous dangers and tribulations along life’s journey. Therefore, when we exhaust our storehouse of abilities and our ships run aground; we must lay our bodies, souls and minds into His everlasting arms (Deut. 33:27). He’s worthy of our trust and obedience. We’re forever safe because He holds us with an unchanging hand and will never let go. Truly, He is an Omniscient Father that changes not, bringing us to our promised end.

“Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night seasons and all the day long” (George A. Young 1903).