What Are We Hoping In?

The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. [Acts 27.20]

This verse always reminds me that human effort often ends in utter despair. I know there have been times in my life where I have fought circumstances and the elements to the point of exhaustion only to finally resign myself to the obvious and give up my own efforts. Then, usually shortly thereafter, God shows His way or provision!

Many times our efforts take us out of faith and into faithless self-dependence. I know faith requires action, but sometimes we simply have to stop hoping in human effort to see God's power take over.

It is worth pointing out that the "all hope was gone" was the hope of the shop's crew that they could save themselves.  Paul's hope was never lost that God would deliver them!

Father, help me to cease all my human struggles and let You do Your work!