"Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.  And it happened that the father of Puplius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.  After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured.  They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.  At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the twin brothers for its figurehead.  After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.  From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.  There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome.  And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage."

Paul and the crew of people going off to Caesar had a tough journey...  and Paul had every right to be in a sour mood.

Yet, at every turn, Paul tries to improve the general feel of the lands that he visits.  He ministers to the people on the island.  He prays that healing come to them.  He visits the sick.  All this, while a centurion guards his every move.

When the group arrives at Rome, they find believers have come from all over to receive them.  At this point the Bible tells us that Paul takes courage.

Have you ever been met by a group of people who are in the same boat as you?  Maybe you walk into a church and there is a crowd gathered that consists of God-fearers just like you.  Maybe you go to your house and find people who love you.  Maybe you go to work to discover a Bible study group.

Take courage.  God is proving His love for you over and over with these people.  Just as God did for Paul.

Take courage, or better yet, be the courage giver.