"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE IN A STORM"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE IN A STORM"

Acts27: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:

Paul was on a ship, that was in a violent storm, that actually ended in a shipwreck, but no lives were lost.
God had spoken to Paul earlier and assured him that he would not perish, nor would any of the others on board. And just as things were as bad as they could be, and men were panicking and putting themselves in danger ( as they tried to jump off the ship ) Paul stood up and spoke up and delivered a message to them. He spoke to them because God had spoken to him.

1. God speaks to us in the midst of storms that's for sure.

Here Paul recounts how God had spoken to him.
Acts 27:23 “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,
Acts 27:24 “saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

At the worst moment in this doomed voyage as it were, God spoke to Paul. And, gave him very specific words of instruction and encouragement.

And, it's always been that way with God's people. One story after another in Scripture attests to this fact. And, so do the countless testimonies of believers down through the ages. If you are in a storm, and you are looking to God, He will speak to You, and He will tell you exactly what to do, or what not to do.

2. God calls us to believe Him in the midst of storms.
Acts 27:24 “saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Please notice what God said to Paul in the midst of the storm. "Do not be afraid, Paul;" Can you imagine how fearful it must have been to be in that life threatening situation, a shipwreck was taking place. Fear would have gripped every heart and mind with a fierceness. But, God speaks in storms, and He spoke to Paul. And, God will speak to you if you are in a storm.

Essentially, God will no doubt speak very similar words to you. He will tell you not to be afraid. He is your father, and you are His child. Children become afraid, ( and so do grown men and women ) but, God will comfort you just as fathers do for their children. He will tell you not to be afraid, and He will also explain why you don't need to be afraid. Just as he did here. See the reason that God gave to Paul.

Acts 27:24 “saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

3. God's Word to us can be trusted in the midst of a storm.
Acts 27:24 “saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

God's Word can be trusted anytime. But it seems that in a storm, we are more focused on what God is saying, because we are more aware of our circumstances and the danger ( or what we think is danger ) associated with our circumstances.

God assured Paul that he was not going to perish, and that His plans for Paul would come to pass. Paul believed God's Word in the midst of the storm. And, may God help you also to believe Him if you are in a storm right now.

Questions:

1. Are you in a storm right now?

2. What has the Lord said to you in the midst of this storm?

3. If you don't think He has spoken to you, will you ask Him to do so?

4. Please be assured that God knows your situation, and He will speak to you.

5. Will you make the decision right now to put your faith completely in what God is going to say to you?

A prayer:

Father, Your Word contains so many records of so many of Your dealings with Your people down through the ages.
And, Your Word fits into our lives so perfectly. Thank You for caring for us so much, to give us clear advice, clear guidance, and unending encouragement through it. Please help us to listen and be doers of Your Word. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia