THROWING CARGO OVERBOARD

Today's reading: Acts 27-28

The next day, as gale force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. The following day they even threw out the ship's equipment and anything else they could lay their hands on." Acts 27:18-19 NLT

Paul and his fellow travelers were in the storm of their lives.

It wasn't just an overnight storm that popped up, sprinkled upon them and dissipated.

This storm, within the next verse or so, was said to have lasted 14 days.

That's a very long storm.

That's a very long time to 'be holding your breath' waiting for God to do something.

What did they do?

They tossed overboard anything and everything that couldn't help them in the storm.

They rid themselves of amenities. They threw out little gods that apparently were of no use to them. They parted ways with any and all valuables that couldn't save their lives.

Here is my prayer, after having read about Paul and his traveling companions...

Lord, let us let go of anything but You as this new year approaches. Let us part ways with anything that we're clinging tightly to that will not help us through the upcoming 365 days. Let us see 'things' for what they are, and hold ever so tightly to the Master of the winds--You! Let us not be distracted by the accumulation of wealth we have gained, but assured in the faith we have in You. There may be storms in the new year, let our ships be ready to ride out the waves with You. Amen.