”And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship.” Acts 27:18

In this chapter, Paul is with some men on a ship which is caught up in a “temptuous wind, called Eurocyldon.” Eurocyldon translates into the greek as being a storm, or even further a billow or a raging wave.

In verse 18, we are told the men “lightened” the ship. They dumped loads of cargo in order to make the ship to be able to stand in the midst of the storm. Though the storm was fierce and the billows high, the ship would not sway so much or be in danger of even tipping over! if the weight of what was in it was not so heavy (Mt. 11:30). We see these men doing all they can to stand (Eph. 6:13) awaiting until the trial of the storm is over.

This is also true in the Christian walk. When we are experiencing these “storms” or trials in life, are we still holding onto the unnecessary baggage that creates for a heavier or burdensome load? How much easier is it to guide the ship through the tempest storm(or the things that tempt us!) when we haven’t unloaded unneeded burdens which weigh us down and cause our ability to have a calm walk to be disrupted?

 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

 

The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered. Hebrews 12:27 (The Message)

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! Psalm113:2

“It’s one thing to unpack,

 but another to pick up more,

as you go…

packing cares and burdens,

or How To Manuals,

 instead of trusting

Who Will, take us to the end…

no luggage needed there.”

– Dina Martin