A Harbor, A Fortress, A Safe Place In A Storm

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast.  So Paul warned them,  "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also,,"  But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and to the owner of the ship.  Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.  This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.  Acts 27:9-12

This morning we went to a restaurant overlooking the Simon's Town harbor and this is also where the South African navy have three of their Corvette battleships stationed.

It is a beautiful sight seeing all the sailboats securely moored to the docks behind the breakers that separate the harbor waters from the Atlantic ocean.  The boats all varied in size from day sailors not much larger than four meters (12 feet) to catamarans that were about ten meters (40 feet).  Even the navy ships were docked safely inside the breaker walls.

Inside the harbor there was a sailing school with teenagers getting proper instruction on how to navigate the sailboats.  Sea Kayaks were being paddled in and out the whole time we were eating our breakfast.  This is the best place to be safe in a boat and learn about boat safety.

Outside of the harbor lay the expanse of the Atlantic ocean and on this particular morning it was relatively calm.  But I have gone by at times and watched as the three plus meter waves would smash against the breakers and send salt water spraying high into the sky and into the harbor.  If boats get caught out in the ocean when a storm hits they are vulnerable to great damage by the wind and the rocks that lay below the surface near the shore.

Likewise our spiritual lives are vulnerable to being damaged in the world if we don't have a harbor to sail to and anchor in.

In Acts 27:9-12 Paul tells us a story of how a decision was made to not stay in a harbor but get to a different one because of the coming winter.  Not all decisions are wise decisions because of the majority of people choosing a certain way.  Paul being led by the Spirit warn everyone of what would happen if they chose not to stay in the harbor.

In Psalm 91 the writer says "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 

A harbor is like a fortress against the storms that roll in from the ocean.  The LORD is our protection from the storms that blow in from the world.  Be wise in making eternal decisions and don't delay another day.  Sail your life into the safe harbor that is Jesus Christ.