You Belong to God

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, September 26, 2025

Today's Text: Acts 27:18-26

Key Verse: Acts 27:23 (KJV): "For there stood by me this night the angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve."

Sometimes we are being tossed about on life's stormy seas. Perhaps, almost everyone reading this has had the ship they're on battered by one relentless tempest other, when all hope of rescue seems lost. That's the dire situation the Apostle Paul and his shipmates faced in Acts 27. They were at the mercy of the wind and waves, staring down despair. Yet, in the midst of this overwhelming crisis, Paul stands as an example of calm assurance. His profound relationship with God, captured in the simple yet powerful statement, "the God to whom I belong and whom I serve," gave him an anchor that held fast.

God wants us to learn the power of knowing who we are, and to whom we belong in times of crisis. We are all blessed today to have the example of Paul when he made bold to declare his life is defined by belonging and service to God. When we anchor our identity and purpose in this relationship, the storms of life—whether they be professional, relational, or personal crises—do not have the power to utterly destroy our hope. Just as Paul's faith brought an angelic visitation and a promise of safety, our unwavering commitment to the Lord brings His presence and provision near, not just for us, but often extending to those around us.

Do you know whom you belong to? Resolving this question determines how we live and what we do. Our knowledge of who we are in relation to Christ anchors our faith in whatever season of life and help us become channels of God's mercy to others, even those who don't yet know Him. We must strive to live a life of dedicated service, for it is this life that makes us an instrument of God's sovereign grace.

Knowing we belong to God gives us faith over fear. In a chaotic situation, Paul did not give in to fear but instead chose to trust God's word and promises. His message to the crew was one of reassurance, that despite the danger, everyone would be safe, demonstrating that faith can anchor us when fear threatens to overwhelm.

Knowing we belong to God assures us of God's sovereignty and presence. An angel appeared to Paul, a sign of God's control over the situation and His care for those who belong to Him. Even when facing a shipwreck, God was in control and had a plan for Paul and the crew, a reminder that God is active in our lives and circumstances.

Knowing we belong to God gives a sense of service. Paul identifies himself as "the God to whom I belong and whom I serve," highlighting that his belonging to God is expressed through his service to Him. This deep, ongoing relationship with God provides the foundation for his faith and courage in the midst of the storm. This mercy has been extended to everyone on the ship with him including unbelievers. That's what happens to our world when we know whose sons and daughters we are and serve.

Action Steps: Reflect on the current "storms" in your life and choose to place faith over fear. Believe in God's sovereign control. Reaffirm your commitment to serve God in practical ways. Let your service be the proof of your belonging. Pray for opportunities to be a channel of God's mercy and positive influence to those in your sphere.

Quote for the Day: "The truest test of who you are and belong to is not who you are during the calm, but how and where you stand when the storm is raging." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that we belong to You and that You are with us even in the fiercest storms. Strengthen my faith, O Lord, and help me to live a life that genuinely serves You, so that Your presence and mercy may flow through me to impact those around me—in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 50:15, Isaiah 41:10, and Philippians 4:6-7.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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