Ever since my Goddaughter did her 8^th grade research project on the Titanic, I have been fascinated with accounts of that disaster. I recently read some insights from Michael Trull. He wrote:

“On April 15, 1912, at approximately 2:20 A.M. the stern of the White Star liner, the Titanic swung slowly upward toward the stars. Her lights went out, flashed on again, and then went out for good. Only a single kerosene lantern flickered high in the after mast. As her stern reached higher, a steady roar thundered across the water as every movable thing aboard her broke loose.

There has never been a mixture like it: 15,000 bottles of ale and stout, huge anchor chains (each link weighed 175 pounds), thirty cases of golf clubs, 30,000 fresh eggs, potted palms, five grand pianos, a cask of china from Tiffany’s, a case of gloves from Marshall Fields, and, most valuable of all, 1,500 passengers who had not been able to get off the great ship.

The great and the unknown tumbled together in a writhing heap as the bow eased deeper and the stern rose higher. The Titanic was now absolutely vertical, with her three dripping propellers glistening in the darkness. For nearly two minutes she stood poised as the noise finally stopped. Then she began sliding slowly under, until the sea closed over the flagstaff on her stern with an audible gulp.”

Michael’s very vivid writing caused me to think about the great shipwreck found in Acts 27.

That ship wasn’t the size or description of a huge ocean-going liner like the Titanic, but it was a large wooden grainer that carried some 276 passengers including the Apostle Paul.

Interestingly though, Luke’s very detailed account of the shipwreck experience is filled with Paul’s counseling, warning, and encouragement for others. The folks on the Titanic didn’t receive any warning of the impending disaster, but the sailors, soldiers and prisoners on this boat heard a lot from Paul.

He starts off warning them, “Men I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to the ship, and cargo and to our own lives also” (27:10). They ignore him. So later, Paul mutters, “You should have taken my advice…but now I urge you to keep up your courage” (27:22). He repeats that encouragement in verse 25.

After two horrible weeks of being tossed about in a turbulent sea, Paul was concerned about their immediate health. He observes that they “…have been in constant suspense and have gone without food, you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food…” Paul really cares for these men.

In that same way, the Lord cares for us. Unlike the unsuspecting travelers on the Titanic, when tragedy strikes our lives, we too have the precious blessing of good counsel. Just like Paul was trying to warn folks of future difficulties, believers have friends, family, pastors and other spiritual advisors who will warn and encourage them.

So, this week, if you sense that you are approaching a sea of challenges, reach out. Call an advisor and LISTEN. Seek out someone who will really pray for you.

Let’s ask for advice and look for the underlying Biblical principles that we can apply. We don’t have to go down with the proverbial ship!