To truly stay engaged in difficult relationships, it is essential to have a clear-eyed, honest assessment of the situation rather than seeing things as we wish they would be. This means recognizing when someone is not ready to hear truth, not taking rejection personally, and remaining close enough to offer support without compromising your convictions. By understanding that people may not be receptive to advice or warnings when life is comfortable for them, you can avoid emotional triggers and maintain a steady, compassionate presence. This approach allows you to be ready and available when the time is right, rather than withdrawing in frustration or disappointment. [43:50]
Acts 27:9-11 (NIV)
"Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 'Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.' But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship."
Reflection: Who in your life are you tempted to give up on because they have rejected your advice or concern? How can you shift your perspective to see their situation honestly, without taking it personally, and remain available for them?
Life is full of unexpected storms and pop-up crises that can strip away our sense of control and self-sufficiency. When those you care about face these storms—when their own efforts fail and desperation sets in—your presence can be a powerful source of comfort and hope. Being present does not mean enabling or compromising, but rather checking in, offering a listening ear, and letting them know you are there when they are ready. This kind of faithful presence plants seeds and positions you to help when hearts are open. [53:27]
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life currently going through a difficult season? What is one practical way you can check in or show up for them this week, even if they have previously rejected your help?
When all worldly hope is lost and people are at their lowest, followers of Christ are called to step in and offer a hope that is certain, eternal, and rooted in God’s promises. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident trust that God’s word is true and His purposes will prevail. By waiting for the right moment and then sharing this hope—through words, prayer, or simply your presence—you can help others see beyond their immediate circumstances to the greater reality of God’s love and faithfulness. [56:50]
Acts 27:21-25 (NIV)
"After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: 'Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you." So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.'"
Reflection: Think of someone who is in a place of despair or hopelessness. How can you intentionally bring them a word or act of hope that points to God’s faithfulness this week?
While it is right to be done with sin and its destructive influence, we are never called to be done with the person caught in it. Every individual is made in God’s image and remains a candidate for redemption, no matter how far they have strayed. This means refusing to write people off, even when their choices are painful or frustrating, and instead holding out hope for their restoration. It is possible to set boundaries with sin while keeping your heart open to the sinner, trusting that God can still work in their life. [59:44]
Luke 15:20 (ESV)
"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."
Reflection: Is there someone you have emotionally or relationally written off because of their choices? What would it look like to separate your rejection of their sin from your willingness to love and hope for them as a person?
In moments of decision, it is tempting to listen to voices that affirm what we already want to do or that promise smooth sailing. But true spiritual growth comes from allowing God’s Word to challenge and critique us, even when it is uncomfortable. Trusting in God’s wisdom over human expertise or popular opinion positions you to experience His guidance and to offer real hope to others. Agreeing with God about your own need, believing in Christ’s saving work, and committing your life to Him is the foundation for being “in the game” for others. [48:34]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: Are you currently seeking advice or affirmation from sources that simply tell you what you want to hear? What is one area where you need to let God’s Word challenge and direct you, even if it is uncomfortable?
We all know what it feels like to reach the end of our rope with someone—to feel so exhausted, so hurt, or so frustrated that we want to say, “I’m done with that person.” Sometimes, stepping away is necessary, especially in the case of toxic relationships or harmful habits. But what about those times when we’re tempted to quit too soon, to withdraw simply because it’s hard? God calls us to something deeper: to stay in the game, to endure, and to be present even when relationships are difficult.
Looking at Acts 27, we see Paul as a model for this kind of perseverance. Paul, though ignored and rejected, doesn’t sulk or withdraw. He sees things as they are—he’s honest about the danger ahead, but he doesn’t let rejection push him out of the relationship. Instead, he remains engaged, understanding that people often aren’t ready to hear hard truths when life is comfortable. Our role is to offer wisdom, even if it’s not received, and to stay close enough to be present when things change.
Storms are inevitable. Life will turn, and the people we care about will face crises that strip away their self-sufficiency. In those moments, desperation can open hearts in ways comfort never could. Our calling is to be present when the storm hits—not enabling or compromising, but checking in, maintaining relationship, and being ready to offer hope when the time is right.
Paul brings hope when all hope is lost. He doesn’t withdraw emotionally or spiritually; he waits for the moment of despair and then steps forward with the promise of God. Biblical hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s confident trust in God’s promises, which are certain and eternal. When we stay in the game, we’re positioned to bring this kind of hope to others, pointing them to something lasting and unshakeable.
We can be done with sin, but never done with the sinner. We can be done with the struggle, but not with the soul. God calls us to endure, to remain available, and to bring hope when it’s needed most. Whether it’s joining God’s family for the first time or re-engaging a broken relationship, the invitation is to stay in the game—because storms will come, and God wants to use us to bring hope.
Acts 27:9-23 (ESV) —
> 9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
>
> 13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.
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> 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship,
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