The Island called Malta!

When I was a young girl, our family was in a crisis.  During that New Year service, the Pastor preached a message titled, "The island called Malta." In the Phoenician language,  Malta means "refuge."  I do not remember what the Pastor said, but I remember that God alone is my refuge, and that thought has been with me through the years!  Luke beautifully tells Apostle Paul's journey and the encounter with the storm Euroclydon in Acts 27 and 28 chapters.  After being caught up in the storm Euroclydon, when they had practically given up hope of survival, they sighted land.  It must have been the most exhilarating sight!  Malta was indeed the refuge to the ship-wrecked people that day! 

Crisis always has a way of shaking us out of complacency!  The journey that started well became life-threatening.  Paul had warned them, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also (Acts 27:10)." But the centurion Julius, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship.  They wanted to winter in a comfortable place, so they took chances.  They hoped to reach Phoenix to winter there.  Phoenix was just about sixty miles away!  This observance of Paul was more out of the experience as a frequent traveller on the seas.   As we look back on the year that has just passed by or at our past life in general, we can see ourselves blown off course many times.  Sometimes storms have resulted from our bad choices or plain disobedience to the Word.  Sometimes God allows storms to direct us or even protect us!  Our God is faithful.  Even when our crisis is because of our disobedience, when we turn to God for help, He is always willing to come to our rescue.  God is ready to hold us by His hands and give us a second chance.  He is our refuge and ever-present help in trouble.

My friend, do not be anxious or stressed out because of the storm you may be in now.  God, who was my refuge, will be your refuge too, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He is faithful to save us if we turn to Him for help.  Let us turn to the Lord with hope and faith, for God accepts the repentant sinner!  

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