Acts 27:20-25

How is he able to speak with such confidence? There they all were at their wit's end—the captain, the sailors, and everyone else—completely distraught and desperate, with shipwreck expected at any moment—the end, disaster, and loss of life. And with confidence, Paul said, "Take heart, men."

Now, the King James Version and many other Bible versions translate his words as "be of good cheer." The Amplified Version says, "Keep up your courage, men." What enabled him to overcome these circumstances in this way? They actively managed their responsibilities rather than allowing the ship to drift aimlessly. Paul was strengthened by the word he received, and he in turn empowered his fellow travelers by sharing this assurance with them. They had abandoned hope and were in despair, but Paul's words from God reassured them and enabled them to face the situation with renewed strength. And that should certainly improve and increase our faith in God's promise to us because He is giving the same promises to us that He gave to the apostles and all of those who have been God's people all the way since, 2,000 years or so.