July 28 — "Fear Not, Sail On"

Today's Reading: Acts 27:1-26

Fear is a natural human response to uncertainty. But all throughout Scripture, God lovingly repeats a divine refrain: “Do not be afraid.” Whether His people were squaring off with giants, bracing against storms at sea, or staring into the great unknown, heaven’s message remained constant and clear—you’re not alone, I am here.

Take Acts 27. The Apostle Paul was neck-deep in shipwreck drama—chaotic waves, shrieking wind, and a Roman prison vessel splitting apart like a soggy breadstick. And in the middle of that mess, an angel appeared with this soul-steadying declaration: “Do not be afraid, Paul... God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Now hear this—God’s presence might not always still the storm... but it absolutely, unequivocally, unshakably stills His servant.

Paul’s storm was real—saltwater spray, splintering wood, and all. Yet right there, God’s voice reminded him not of how tough he was... but Whose he was. The phrase “Do not be afraid” shows up more than 300 times in Scripture—not because life’s dangers suddenly go on vacation, but because, when it shows up, God is already there. From Abraham (Genesis 15:1) to Joshua (Joshua 1:9), Mary (Luke 1:30) to the disciples (Matthew 14:27)—God keeps saying it, and saying it, and saying it... because, let’s be honest, we keep needing it, and needing it, and needing it.

Maybe you’re not adrift at sea, but you're weathering a storm—financial, relational, emotional, or spiritual—and it feels like you’re sinking faster than your hope. Listen up: if you belong to Jesus, the same God who stood by Paul stands with you right now. The enemy loves to throw fear parties, but the Spirit breaks out the faith playlist. Your feelings can lie, but God’s promises are your anchor.

So what do you do? Bail out? Nope. Panic? Uhhuh. Run awa? No way! Believe. Sail on! Stand up and declare it today: “I will not be afraid, for the Lord is with me!” Keep sailing by faith, even when the shoreline vanishes from view. Trust—really trust—that God is not just going to bring you through this storm. He’s going to bless you and others through it.

May the Lord fill your sails with His peace—the unshakable kind that whispers “I’m in the boat” even when the waves roar. Step forward today with holy courage, holy confidence, and holy calm, knowing the One who said “Do not be afraid” is still saying it... and still sticking with you.