We all face storms. Some are physical, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods. Other storms are personal – such as death in the family, job problems, marital difficulties, child-rearing issues, etc.
Storms are a part of life. The question is not IF they will come or WHEN they will come, the question is “How will I respond to the storm when it comes?”
In our text, (Acts 27:1-44), Paul found himself in a life-threatening storm. For 14 days the ship was in a raging sea. When the crew panicked, Paul stood and shared the anchors that held his and their lives secure.
Let’s reflect on “FOUR ANCHORS FOR LIFE’S STORMS.”
1ST ANCHOR: RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
What kept Job from turning against God when he lost his family, his possessions, and his health? He knew his God!
What kept Joseph during the years of slavery and prison? His relationship with God!
What kept David during the years that Saul pursued him?
Since Jesus is the Lord of All, He’s the Lord of the Storms of Life that come our way.
He is in control and will work out everything for our good, even if we can’t see a way – He’ll make way!
2ND ANCHOR: WORD OF GOD
In times of uncertainty, we can trust the Word!
When everything is changing, the Word doesn’t. Get that Word in your soul and it will change you!
How could Paul be at peace? Because he had the written Word of God’s care.
3RD ANCHOR: THE PEOPLE OF GOD
In times of trials, believers are to pray for each other and give whatever help they can.
How many of you have been encouraged by another believer? We are here to help you through your storm! We are one of your anchors!
Acts 23:7 mentions Paul’s friends at Sidon, where their ship stopped on the journey and these believers ministered to Paul’s needs.
Let God’s people help you through the storms too!
4TH ANCHOR: PATIENT ENDURANCE
Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.”
Patience is letting your motor idle when you feel like stripping the gears!
It had been two long weeks on that terrible ship – wet, cold, tossed around constantly, crammed in there with 276 people, no one felt like eating…
And Paul was still hearing from God! He had endurance; which must be developed, we don’t automatically receive it.
Did you know that storms are some of God’s best tools?
When the storm hits – that’s when we start thinking about what’s really important.
Acts 27:20 “we finally gave up all hope of being saved,” is one of the saddest, but also one of the best verses in the Bible.
It was when they finally gave up all their own efforts and looked only to God that an angel of deliverance appeared!
They’d done everything they knew to do – trim the sails, dump the cargo, clear the decks, tie ropes around the ship, exhaust all their efforts – that’s when God said, “Alright, now I’m going to work it out!”
Are you ready to let Him take the wheel of the direction of your life? The ‘God who knows the future’ knows which direction your life needs to go. How many of you are in a storm right now? How many have been struggling and you don’t seem to be making any headway against your circumstances?
God can’t save you from your storms until you’re ready to surrender!
Reflections Ministries / Calvin Wyatt / e-mail:cixmo@aol.com / Follow us on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn