It Starts Small

Today, we read an incredible moment for Paul. They are finally setting sail for Rome! The voyage seemed pretty uneventful, but eventually the got stuck in a storm.

 For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope was fading that we would be saved.

Acts 27:20

This was not just a few hours of stormy weather. This was a storm that raged for days! After 14 days without food, they managed to eat something before the ship crashed into a sandbar.

What really stands out to me is no the epic part of this journey, rather wondering what was going on in Paul’s heart.

When we take a step back to the start of this journey, the kindness of a centurion named Julius is mentioned. He was the centurion tasked with transferring Paul to Rome. The the journey became more difficult and dangerous, Paul warned his traveling companion that the journey would be more dangerous and there would be a great loss.

and told them, “Men, I can see that this voyage is headed toward disaster and heavy loss, not only of the cargo and the ship but also of our lives.”

Acts 27:10

True to Paul’s words, the situation had become so terrible they threw the ship’s tackle overboard. They even cut the ropes to the lifeboats and threw all the grain overboard. What amazes me most is God appeared to Paul.

and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to appear before Caesar. And indeed, God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’

Acts 27:24

Stop and take those words in for a moment.

After comforting the soldiers, Paul took some bread and broke it. First, he gave thanks to God in front of all of them.

This seems very familiar. In this act of worship, Paul chose to remember and worship God. He did it in front of all the non-believers. Paul never forgot his mission and he did not forget Jesus!

We can be honest with each other. There never really is a word that comfort our hearts in the midst of a long stormy night. There is no amount of encouragement that can bring a real peace to our hearts. Even after reading God’s Word, our hearts can still be shaken. True peace – true peace comes from worshiping in chaos.

Friends, the best advice given to me was to let my heart remember and to keep worshiping when it gets hard. This is how we journey through the “in betweens.”

Thoughts to Ponder:

• What is your normal reaction to chaos?
• How can worship in the middle of chaos bring peace to our hearts?

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.