Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.  
Acts 27:9–12

Paul had traveled thousands of miles and knew a thing or two about the sea. When he warned the centurion and the crew about the danger ahead, he wasn’t speaking out of fear—he was speaking out of experience and wisdom. But instead of listening, they chose convenience. The harbor wasn’t comfortable, so they pushed on… straight into a storm. 

How often do we do the same? We prefer the path of least resistance, the option that keeps our routine intact. We don’t like when God allows something to disrupt our comfort zone. And yet, storms are part of life. Even Paul, faithful and obedient, faced them. Following Jesus doesn’t mean smooth sailing—it means learning to trust Him when the winds rise. 

Storms bring resistance, and resistance builds strength. Just as muscles grow when pushed against weight, our faith deepens when tested by trials. The storms we dread may actually be God’s way of moving us out of spiritual ruts we didn’t even know we were stuck in. What looks like loss or disruption might be the very thing God is using to lead us toward His greater plan. 

This week, let’s choose to trust God when the storms of life close in—believing He is with us, strengthening us, and guiding us through.