Be In The Game: Staying Faithful Through Life’s Storms

So often, we reach a point of exhaustion in our relationships—whether with family, friends, or even fellow believers—where we feel like saying, “I’m done.” It’s tempting to withdraw, to take the easy path of quitting when things get hard or when our efforts seem ignored. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to something deeper: to stay in the game, even when it’s difficult, because God has a purpose for our perseverance.

Drawing from Acts 27, we see Paul as a model for this kind of steadfastness. Despite being ignored and rejected, Paul remains engaged with those around him. He doesn’t sulk or withdraw when his advice is dismissed; instead, he stays present, knowing that storms—literal and metaphorical—are inevitable in life. When the storm comes and all hope seems lost, Paul is positioned to bring hope, not because he’s better or stronger, but because he trusts in God’s promises.

This passage challenges us to see things as they truly are, not as we wish them to be. We must be honest about the state of our relationships and the spiritual realities at play. Sometimes, people aren’t ready to hear the truth, and that’s not a personal rejection—it’s simply where they are. Our role is to be faithful, to speak truth in love, and to remain available for when hearts are ready.

Being present when things turn is crucial. Life is full of change, and storms will come for everyone. When those we care about hit rock bottom, our continued presence—checking in, praying, offering support—can be the very thing God uses to open their hearts. We don’t compromise our convictions, but we also don’t abandon people in their time of need.

Finally, we are called to bring hope when hope is gone. Not a shallow optimism, but a confident trust in God’s promises—hope that is certain, eternal, and rooted in Christ. Our identity and security are not in our roles, relationships, or circumstances, but in the God to whom we belong. When we stay in the game, we become vessels of hope, ready to point others to the One who can truly save and restore.

Key Takeaways

• 1. See things as they truly are It’s easy to view relationships and situations through the lens of our preferences or pain, but spiritual maturity requires a clear-eyed assessment. We must recognize when people aren’t ready to receive truth and not take their resistance personally. Faithfulness means speaking truth in love and remaining available, trusting that God is at work even when we can’t see immediate results. [49:15]
• 2. Be present when the storm comes Storms and trials are inevitable, both for us and those we love. Our presence during these times—through prayer, encouragement, and simple check-ins—can be a lifeline. We don’t have to fix everything, but by staying engaged, we position ourselves to be used by God when hearts are most open to change and hope. [57:00]
• 3. Bring hope rooted in God’s promises When all hope seems lost, we are called to offer a hope that is not wishful thinking, but a confident trust in God’s faithfulness. This hope is anchored in the certainty of God’s promises, not in temporary circumstances. By sharing our own stories of God’s faithfulness, we invite others to trust in the One who never fails. [66:15]
• 4. Be done with sin, not with people We are called to set boundaries with sin and destructive patterns, but never to abandon the souls of those caught in them. Our commitment is to remain available, to pray, and to seek reconciliation, trusting that God can redeem even the most broken situations. [72:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [37:26] - The Temptation to Quit on People
• [38:18] - Emotional Exhaustion and Withdrawal
• [39:38] - Real-Life Examples of Giving Up
• [40:51] - The Call to Be Christ’s Witness
• [42:54] - Our Calling: Bearing with One Another
• [44:36] - Context: Paul’s Journey to Rome
• [45:46] - Reading Acts 27:9-24
• [49:00] - Paul’s Example: Staying in the Game
• [49:15] - Instruction 1: See Things as They Are
• [54:52] - Whose Voice Are You Trusting?
• [57:00] - Instruction 2: Be Present When Things Turn
• [61:39] - The Power of Crisis and Desperation
• [65:52] - Instruction 3: Bring Hope in Hopelessness
• [72:42] - What We Can Be Done With
• [73:56] - Next Steps and Prayer

Bible Reading

Acts 27:9-24 (ESV) —
> 9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
>
> 13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.
>
> 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’”

Observation Questions

1. In Acts 27:9-12, what advice does Paul give, and how do the others respond to it? What reasons do they have for ignoring him? [45:46]
2. When the storm hits in Acts 27:13-20, what actions do the people on the ship take, and what is the result of their efforts? [46:32]
3. According to the sermon, how does Paul respond when his advice is ignored? What does he do instead of withdrawing? [49:47]
4. What promise does Paul share with the people on the ship after the storm has taken away all hope? [47:49]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think people often ignore wise or godly advice when things seem to be going well in their lives? How does this relate to the “pilot logic” vs. “prophetic warning” idea from the sermon? [50:46]
2. The sermon says that storms and trials are inevitable for everyone. How does this truth affect the way we approach difficult relationships or situations? [57:42]
3. Paul stays present and engaged with the people on the ship, even after being rejected. What does this teach us about faithfulness and perseverance in our own relationships? [49:47]
4. The hope Paul offers is rooted in God’s promises, not in the circumstances. How is this different from the kind of hope the world usually offers? [01:08:14]

Application Questions

1. Think of a relationship in your life where you feel emotionally exhausted or tempted to give up. What would it look like for you to “stay in the game” with that person, even if your efforts seem ignored? [39:15]
2. The sermon encourages us to “see things as they truly are” and not just as we wish they were. Is there a relationship or situation where you need to be more honest about what’s really going on? What would it look like to do that this week? [49:15]
3. When someone you care about is going through a “storm,” how can you be present for them without compromising your convictions or getting pulled into unhealthy patterns? What are some practical ways to check in or offer support? [01:04:20]
4. Have you ever experienced a time when someone’s presence or encouragement made a difference for you during a difficult season? How might God use you in a similar way for someone else? [01:05:36]
5. The sermon says we should “bring hope rooted in God’s promises” rather than just offering shallow optimism. What is one promise from God that gives you hope? How could you share that hope with someone who is struggling? [01:08:14]
6. The pastor said, “Be done with sin, not with people.” Are there boundaries you need to set with sin or destructive patterns, while still remaining available and prayerful for the person involved? What might that look like in your life? [01:12:42]
7. Is there someone you’ve withdrawn from or given up on, maybe just in your heart? What is one step you could take this week to re-engage, check in, or pray for them? [01:16:40]