After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. ~ Acts 27:35
READING: Acts 27:33-36
Paul and his captors are about to die. By boat, they are en route to Rome when they find themselves caught in a fierce storm for days on end. But earlier, Paul received a promise from God that all would be safe. Nevertheless, the storm is tearing the boat apart and the sailors are starving themselves in hopes of appeasing their gods. And it is in the midst of this storm that the apostle Paul takes bread, breaks it and gives thanks to God.
If this were a movie, this moment would be the climax of the script. It is at this point that Paul finally convinces the men that death has met its match. Communion in the midst of the storm normalizes the storm and all can see and taste and feel that God is in control, that death has lost its sting and that God keeps his promises.
As we navigate through the storm of church planting, a survival mentality can cause us to fear, react and panic. But the raging waves, the pouring rain, the thunder and winds are all normal and natural aspects of church planting. It is the storm that gives us an opportunity to trust God, in our hearts and in our actions.
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and breaking it, he said, “This is my body, broken for you. Take and eat. And when you do, remember me” (I Cor. 11:24).
Jesus trusted his Father in the midst of his storm, and he beckons us to trust him in the midst of ours.
Jesus, You are the Lord of the storm. Please come and be my Prince of Peace. Amen.
Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI) “Equips Leaders to Plant 5 Million Churches Worldwide.” Learn more
