The winds were raging.  The waves were like mountains one moment and deep valleys the next, for days on end.  Paul and those aboard the ship came to the conclusion: “all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.”  (Acts 27:14-20)

Are you in circumstances where you have abandoned hope?  Are you in a raging storm?
“…keep up your courage.”  God is still God.  He does not leave the followers of Christ.  He is with you in the stormy seasons of life.  He is Emmanuel (God with us.)

After going for a long time without food, Paul stood in the middle of those on the ship and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss.”  Paul was saying, ‘I told you so!’

Paul needed to get the attention of these desperate men in a dangerous situation; he had a message of hope for them. (Acts 27:21)
Paul wanted the men to believe the message he was about to give them.  He had been right earlier, he would be right again.

(NASB) Acts 27:22-26 “Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23 ‘For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me,
24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’
25 ‘Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.
26 ‘But we must run aground on a certain island.’”

Did you notice?  No loss of life because Paul had to go to Rome for his trial.  God, the Creator God, was in charge of Paul’s life and that affected all those with him on that ship.
Paul was a servant of the living God!  He belonged to this God.  He served this God.

Paul was encouraged by the message from his God – you also are to “…keep up your courage.”  Paul was told, “Do not be afraid, Paul…”  God had plans for Paul.  God also has plans for you.

Followers of Christ, “…keep up your courage” in the middle of your circumstances by believing God and His promises.  He always, always, fulfills His words.

“Keep up your courage” because God’s words are true and they will be fulfilled.

“Keep up your courage” in your circumstances today.  God is in control.

Followers of Christ: we are to look at God!  We are to listen to God and His words.  We are to trust, rely on, lean our full weight – on Him.  He is God our Savior!

“…keep up your courage”