After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. (ESV)

These gods referred to were Castor and Pollux. What a contrast with Paul. Dead gods cannot help us in life’s storms. But Paul is a living embodiment of what trust in the true God can do.

My parents had a plaque sitting on top of their fireplace which read, ‘In God we trust.’ It was their story, and the predominant atmosphere of our home. I’m sure they would admit that their trust in God was imperfect, and possibly even patchy at times. I’m sure that trust was tested. But I’m grateful that we were raised in a home where the overwhelming ethos was one of trust in God. They did not want to hide this from anyone who entered their living room.

‘”We cannot always trace God’s hand but we can always trust God’s heart.” Charles Spurgeon