I was greatly encouraged this morning when reading Acts chapter 27. So far Paul has been passed around like a hot potato from Jewish counsel to Roman leaders and back again. I have never heard of this preached, but today I would like to share from chapter 27.
For those who have been suffering take heart and drink in this encouragement that has blessed me this morning. Paul was ordered to Rome to stand before Caesar v.24. In verses 9 - 11 Paul warned that the ship would be destroyed if they did not harbor, but this advice fell upon deaf Centurion ears v.11.
Verses 21-26 was the first piercing of my heart this morning. Paul stood up and told them that they should have listened to him, but instead of smearing it in their faces something wonderful was about to happen upon the sea. In verse 22 Paul started to encourage everyone aboard, Roman soldier, sailor, and prisoner alike. Isn't this an image of our modern day church pertaining to the difference in people who attend. A place of rescue and worship that removes rank or station in life.
Here is a fact that blew my mind. Paul was just about to minister to 276 persons aboard v.37. Not one hair of their head would be harmed for what was about to come v.34. Hey, isn't this the fiery furnace all over again. For three men were saved from the flames in Daniel, and now 276 men would be saved from a watery death. Again in verse 23 an Angle of the Lord appeared to Paul to give great encouragement to him. In verse 25 Paul witnessed to the crew and believe in his and their deliverance.
Skip with me to verses 31- 37. God is doing something beautiful here. Most men by now probably knew that this man was speaking the truth and that the coming dawn would bring destruction and chaos, but all would be delivered. Apparently, the sea was rough and the men were so distressed that no one ate for two weeks v.27-28, 33-34.
Verses 33-37 was the second sword thrust that set my heart on fire this morning. Paul warned the Centurion for all to stay on the boat to be saved vs.31, and the soldiers believed and cut away the lifeboat v.32. That's how it is sometime isn't it. For to find rescue from tribulation God asks us to cut away our escape and to stay in the midst of our trial. A lesson is sometimes best learned under the weight of agony, so that when the pain is over our faith is sharpened to a mirror finish. That newly acquired razor's edge, when swung in faith, will cut satan's name in two, only if we stay in the boat until the time of our deliverance.
Something magnificent is about to happen before dawn. With the lifeboat cut away and lost, and all hands still aboard, Paul took the bread and asked the blessing for all were hungry and some had been fasting, because of their predicament, for the last two weeks v.33-37.
I'm thinking of a verse that fits this scene.

Psalm 23:5 King James Version (KJV)
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

There they were moored by anchors in a sea of uncertainty, which was now their enemy. It was dark outside, and only the God inspired words of prisoner Paul would be their hope. People were scared, and all knew that there was a good chance the ship would be lost. I even read in verse 42 that the soldiers plan was to kill the prisoners so they would not escape. Paul was a prisoner aboard that ship too.
Think about the man asking the blessing over the bread. He was to face death by either sword or water, but Christ told him that he would live. That takes iron faith to encourage others when you're walking the tightrope of faith, while surrounded by death. Psalm 23:5 is true as this scene develops. Christ is preparing a table in the presence of their enemies. An enemy concerning the sea and the soldiers themselves.
At this spiritual table set before them a great unity of peace happened and all hearts were lifted. I know this because in verse 36 its said that ALL OF THEM were encouraged as they ate. All 276 persons were set upon a solid rock whether they believed in Christ or not. I just remembered a verse that was just brought to my mind.

Matthew 5:45 King James Version (KJV)
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

At this sharing of bread, this mini feast on the troubled sea, Christ was allowing a great blessing to rain upon that fellowship. As the story finishes all hands aboard, soldier, sailor, and prisoner alike was washed ashore after the ship was run aground upon the reef.
All through my reading of Acts I have seen how God has taken Paul's enemies and used them as his army of protection, as he was handed off from ruler to ruler. And all through this Christ has moved heaven and earth to see that His will was accomplished. This verse came to my mind.

Haggai 2:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.

There is no natural or spiritual substitute for Christ in this land. No comfort or rescue that the people can rest in, can be found upon Earth apart from a contrite and broken heart that wants to serve the Lord. Only then will human meet Master and lasting deliverance is indeed fulfilled.