Finding Purpose and Peace in Life's Storms

Summary

Storms are an inevitable part of life—just as sure as the waves in the ocean, so are the challenges, trials, and afflictions that come our way. While we cannot prevent these storms, we can learn to find God’s purpose in them, and in doing so, discover peace even in the midst of chaos. Acts 27 tells the story of Paul’s journey to Rome, a journey marked by a violent storm that threatened the lives of everyone on board. Paul, though a prisoner, had already endured many storms—both literal and figurative—and his experience gave him a unique perspective and peace that others lacked. He knew that God’s purposes are often revealed most clearly in the midst of our greatest difficulties.

The storms we face today are not just about us; they are opportunities for God to shape us into ministers of comfort and compassion for others. As Paul learned through his own suffering, God comforts us so that we can comfort others in their affliction. Our present storms are preparation for future ministry, equipping us to point others to Christ when they encounter their own crises.

Storms also reveal our need for a Savior. When we exhaust all our own efforts and resources, we come to the end of ourselves and realize that only God can truly rescue us. The story of James Michael Grimes, who survived 20 hours in the ocean, illustrates this truth: no matter how hard we try, sometimes we need someone outside ourselves to save us. In the same way, the sailors in Acts 27 tried every method to save themselves, but ultimately, it was God’s intervention that brought salvation.

Furthermore, storms provide platforms—unique opportunities to be seen and heard in ways that might not be possible in calmer times. Paul’s credibility and voice were ignored until the crisis hit, but in the storm, people were ready to listen. God often uses our storms to give us a platform to share hope, point others to His promises, and proclaim the salvation found in Christ.

In the end, God did not prevent the storm, but He provided salvation through it. Every person on that ship was saved, not because of their own strength, but because of God’s sovereign grace. The challenge is not to despise the storms, but to trust that God is present, purposeful, and able to save—both eternally and in our present circumstances.

Key Takeaways

- Present storms prepare us for future storms. The trials we endure today are not wasted; they are God’s way of equipping us with experience, empathy, and faith for the challenges and ministries that lie ahead. As we learn to trust God in our own crises, we become better able to walk with others through theirs, offering real comfort and hope rooted in what we ourselves have received. [24:17]

- Suffering is not just reactive but can be pre-active. Sometimes God allows us to go through hardship not only for our own growth, but so that we are ready to minister to others before they even enter their storm. Our present pain may be the very means by which God prepares us to be a source of compassion and strength for someone else in the future. [29:25]

- Storms expose the limits of self-sufficiency and reveal our need for a Savior. When all our efforts fail and we reach the end of our own resources, we are confronted with the reality that only God can truly save—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This humbling process is a grace, as it draws us to depend on Christ, who alone is able to rescue and restore. [34:57]

- God uses storms to provide platforms for His people. In times of crisis, hearts are often more open to hope and truth than in times of comfort. The storms we endure may give us a unique opportunity to be seen and heard, to share the promises of God, and to point others to the salvation found in Christ. Faithfulness in these moments can have an eternal impact. [46:57]

- The goal is not to win arguments, but to win souls. When God gives us a platform in the storm, our posture should be one of humility and hope, using our voice not to prove ourselves right, but to point others upward to God’s saving power. The true victory is not in being vindicated, but in helping others encounter the God who saves, even in the midst of life’s shipwrecks. [47:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - VBS Recap and Volunteer Appreciation
[05:30] - Introduction to Acts 27
[08:15] - Preparing for Storms: A Surfer’s Perspective
[13:40] - The Inevitability of Life’s Storms
[20:53] - Finding God’s Purpose in the Storm
[24:17] - Present Storms Prepare for Future Ministry
[29:25] - Suffering for the Sake of Others
[32:42] - Comforted to Comfort Others
[33:49] - Storms Reveal Our Need for a Savior
[39:12] - The Limits of Self-Sufficiency
[46:17] - Storms Provide Platforms
[46:57] - Using Your Platform for God’s Purposes
[47:59] - Winning Souls, Not Arguments
[57:19] - Responding to God’s Salvation and Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Finding God’s Purpose in Life’s Storms

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### Bible Reading

Acts 27:1-44
(Main text: Paul’s journey to Rome and the storm at sea)

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

John 15:13 (ESV)
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 27, what warnings did Paul give before the ship set sail, and how did the crew respond?
[see [24:17]]

2. According to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, what is one reason God comforts us in our afflictions?

3. What actions did the sailors and passengers take to try to save themselves during the storm?
[see [38:18]]

4. In John 15:13, what does Jesus say is the greatest form of love?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul’s advice was ignored at first, and what changed during the storm that made people listen to him?
[see [46:57]]

2. How does Paul’s experience with previous storms (literal and figurative) shape his response to this crisis?
[see [24:17]]

3. The sermon says, “Present storms present the need for a Savior.” What does it mean to come to the end of our own resources, and why is that significant for faith?
[see [34:57]]

4. According to the sermon, how can our suffering or storms become a platform for ministering to others?
[see [46:17]]

---

### Application Questions

1. Think about a recent or current “storm” in your life. How have you tried to handle it on your own, and what happened when you reached the end of your own strength?
[see [38:18]]

2. The sermon says that “present storms prepare us for future ministry.” Can you recall a time when something you went through helped you comfort or encourage someone else? How did that experience equip you?
[see [24:17]]

3. The story of James Michael Grimes shows that sometimes we need someone outside ourselves to save us. Are there areas in your life where you need to stop relying on self-sufficiency and ask God (or others) for help? What’s holding you back?
[see [34:57]]

4. The sermon challenges us not to despise the storms but to look for God’s purpose in them. What might God be teaching you or preparing you for through your current challenges?
[see [20:53]]

5. When have you been given a “platform” (a unique opportunity to be seen or heard) because of a crisis or difficulty? How did you use that opportunity? If you missed it, what would you do differently next time?
[see [46:57]]

6. The goal is not to win arguments but to win souls. In your relationships, especially during hard times, how can you shift your focus from being “right” to pointing others to God’s hope and salvation?
[see [47:59]]

7. The sermon mentions that suffering can be “pre-active”—God may allow us to go through hardship so we’re ready to help others later. Is there someone in your life right now who needs comfort or hope that you can offer because of what you’ve experienced?
[see [29:25]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for those currently in a storm, and ask God to reveal His purpose and provide comfort, hope, and opportunities to minister to others.

Devotional

Day 1: Present storms prepare you for future storms
God often uses the storms we face today to equip us for the challenges of tomorrow, shaping us through each trial so that we grow in faith, resilience, and wisdom. When we look back, we can see how past hardships have prepared us to face new difficulties with greater peace and confidence, just as Paul’s previous shipwrecks and afflictions gave him composure and assurance in the midst of the storm in Acts 27. Instead of asking “Why me?” in the midst of suffering, consider how God might be using your current struggle to deepen your trust in Him and to prepare you for future opportunities to serve and encourage others. [24:17]

Acts 27:9-10 (ESV)
"Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 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.'"

Reflection: Think of a past storm in your life—how did God use that experience to prepare you for a challenge you faced later? How might your current struggle be equipping you for something ahead?


Day 2: God comforts us so we can comfort others
The comfort and compassion God gives us in our afflictions are not just for our own healing, but so that we can extend that same comfort to others who are suffering, becoming ministers of His grace in their storms. As you experience God’s nearness and mercy in your pain, He is shaping you to be a source of hope and encouragement for someone else who will one day walk a similar path. Instead of only asking “Why am I suffering?” begin to ask “Who might God use me to help because of what I’ve been through?” [32:42]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Who in your life is going through a storm that you can encourage or comfort today, drawing from the compassion God has shown you in your own struggles?


Day 3: Present storms reveal our need for a Savior
Storms have a way of stripping away our self-sufficiency and exposing our deep need for rescue—both eternally and in the daily struggles of life—reminding us that only Jesus can truly save. When all our efforts and resources fall short, we are brought to the end of ourselves and discover that Christ alone is able to deliver, heal, and restore us, both now and forever. In moments of desperation, God’s grace meets us, offering salvation and hope when we finally admit we cannot save ourselves. [38:18]

Acts 27:20 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: Where are you relying on your own strength to get through a storm? What would it look like to surrender that area to Jesus and ask Him to save you today?


Day 4: Storms provide platforms to point others to God
The storms we endure can become unexpected platforms—opportunities to be seen and heard by others who might otherwise ignore our faith—so that we can point them to the hope and salvation found in Christ. When people around us are desperate or searching for answers, our testimony of God’s faithfulness in the storm can become a powerful witness, offering encouragement and truth to those who are open in their time of need. Rather than using these moments to prove ourselves right, we are called to use our platform to point others upward to God’s promises and grace. [47:59]

Acts 27:21-25 (ESV)
"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. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 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." So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.'"

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is more open to hearing about God because of a crisis or storm? How can you gently share hope or encouragement with them this week?


Day 5: You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf
While we cannot prevent the storms of life from coming, we can choose to trust God’s purposes in them, finding peace and even joy as we ride the waves with Him—knowing He is with us and will bring us through. Instead of resisting or resenting the challenges, we can look for God’s hand at work, learning to “surf” by embracing His presence, promises, and the growth He brings through every trial. The storms may not cease, but God’s peace and purpose can carry us safely to shore. [57:19]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can “learn to surf” in your current storm—choosing to trust God’s purpose and seek His peace rather than resisting or resenting the waves?

Quotes

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. And the reality is waves will always come in our lives, and we can learn to appreciate it and go with it. And just as sure as the waves are in the ocean, so are the storms in our lives. You can't stop the storms. You can't prevent them. And so there will be challenges, and there will be trials. There will be afflictions that you'll face. There will be unforeseen circumstances. It happens to all of us. And though there will never be an absence of storms, you can always look for the purpose of God in them. I believe when you find the purpose of God, you find peace in the midst of that storm. [00:20:58] (38 seconds)  #LearnToSurfTheStorm Edit Clip

Present storms prepare you for future storms. So verse nine it says that the fast was already over. Well, what's the fast? Well, that's referring to a particular time of the year where many would be called to fast and that's on the Day of Atonement Yom Kippur and that falls on the calendar usually late September or early October so so Paul knows the season and so knowing the season he's saying guys we should not set sail at this time it's not a good idea we could risk our cargo we could shipwreck this boat we could even lose our lives do not sail and he knows this from experience but why would they listen to Paul it says that Julius the centurion in charge chooses to listen to the pilot instead of listen to Paul which makes sense right if you're on that ship who would you listen to would you listen to this prisoner in shackles are you listening to the pilot behind the steering wheel who's controlling the ship no one's gonna listen to Paul why would we listen to Paul I'll tell you why maybe we should listen to Paul because by this time in this journey this is AD 59 as they're sailing to Rome it's documented he's traveled at least 10 ,000 miles for the sake of the gospel 3 ,500 to 4 ,000 of those miles were by sea in the Mediterranean so he knows that sea and he knows that season and the time of year. [00:25:16] (89 seconds)  #TrustTheSeasonedGuide Edit Clip

Because perhaps God is going to carry you today through your storm. And he's going to show you who Christ is, and he's going to show you the compassion and the comfort he offers. And maybe he's equipping you to then go to help someone tomorrow in their storm. And so it's in this season that maybe God is showing you how much faith it takes to go through a season of unemployment. Or maybe he's carrying you through the heartbreak and the pain and the frustration of divorce. Or maybe he's showing you how to make it through when you've lost a loved one. Maybe he's really wanting to have you wrestle through the debilitation of addiction. Only to find hope. And when you do, when he shows you his compassion and he brings you through it, then he's going to use you to minister to someone who needs to know the compassion of Christ. [00:31:11] (67 seconds)  #CompassionThroughTheStorm Edit Clip

Present storms present the need for a savior. Our God is a God who saves. Amen? He's a God who saves. Our faith is built upon trusting that Christ is our savior. That's a person who saves us. The word for save in the Greek language is the word sozo. Everyone say sozo. One more time louder. Sozo. Sozo. Yeah, there we go. It means to be rescued. It means to be delivered. It means to be saved. It's at the root of the word soteria, which is salvation. And as Christians, we understand it from a spiritual perspective where God has rescued us from sin. He's saved us from hell and he gives us eternal life. And that is absolutely central to our gospel. But do we understand that Christ is our savior and he is Lord over all and he doesn't just save us eternally. He also saves us temporally. He saves us not just for heaven, but he saves on earth. [00:34:36] (62 seconds)  #SozoSavesNow Edit Clip

It's in our nature to immediately go into survival mode and do what we can. We rely on our own wit, our own understanding, our own experiences. Again, we try to muster up strength, stubbornness, stamina. We're going to push through this. Only to find that all our methods might be insufficient. And sometimes, like these sailors and soldiers on the ship, God, I believe, by his goodness and grace may allow us to exhaust all options and come to the end of ourselves and end our self -sufficiency. And it's in those moments that in the most desperate place, we just might find that there's there's a platform that God is providing a platform that's going to proclaim the salvation of God. [00:45:05] (55 seconds)  #StormsCreatePlatforms Edit Clip

Present storms provide present platforms. Think about this. What is a platform? What does a platform do? What is a platform? Like an elevated stage so that you can be seen and heard. What's he saying? Say that again. Like an elevated stage so that you can be seen and heard. Can you guys hear that back there? Can you hear that? Did you guys see him? How about those in the well or the face? Can you see or hear what Brandon said? No? Come up to this platform. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. A lot of you couldn't see him nor hear him. He had a good answer. It was really good. Help us. Say it one more time. What is a platform? Give it up for Brandon. That was a good answer. That was a good answer. That was a good answer. He could not be seen by many people in this room, nor could he be heard until he was given a platform. And then only then was he able to be seen and heard in a way he couldn't be for. That's what platforms do. And God's grace is that sometimes it's in the storm that a platform is provided for us to be seen and heard. [00:46:07] (77 seconds)  #StormsOpenHearts Edit Clip

I know people in here, they're the only Christians in their family and the rest of their family members have a different tradition or religious belief. And so though you've tried to share, you've been shunned. And so you just stop. And so it's hard. I get it. People don't want to hear you and they don't see you. But what if, what if it takes a storm in a person's life to bring them to a place of absolute desperation and confusion and hopelessness, where all of a sudden they're willing to hear, their, their ears are strangely open and their heart is open to any hope that can be offered. And all of a sudden they could hear you like they couldn't before. [00:47:59] (41 seconds)  #PlatformForHope Edit Clip

How many of us love to debate and argue with people just to win an argument when we should be working together to solve problems and for Christians the win for us should be winning souls not winning arguments and so Paul uses his platform when he could be speaking downward upon them he uses his platform to point them upward toward God look at the God who saves and he's gonna save us and he points them to that guy God is going to rescue us he told me he sent an angel to tell me Paul you're going to Rome I'm gonna get you to Rome you're gonna get there and all the men on board with you will get there with you too you're gonna be saved and so he's telling them you will be saved by the hand of the God I worship and as everyone has abandoned all hope they've come to the end of this themselves they've tried all their own efforts you notice that now from this point on everybody on board is listening to Paul they can actually hear him now. [00:51:20] (60 seconds)  #FaithfulWithYourPlatform Edit Clip

Our god saves god didn't prevent the storm but he provided salvation through it that's how the story ends can you imagine can you imagine all these men paddling on boards through the crashing waves i actually found a picture of it 2 000 years ago here's a picture of these guys on boards paddling trying to paddle to safety no this isn't actually that day this is pipeline in oahu this is the north shore it's one of the dangerous most dangerous waves in the world people have lost their lives on this wave and so here you see this wave coming in and everybody's trying to to paddle past it but zoom in a little bit you notice what this guy's doing he's going for it he's going for it because you can't stop the waves but you can choose to surf and you can actually enjoy it and get the most out of it you can't stop the waves but you can choose to surf. [00:59:05] (61 seconds)  #ChooseToSurfTheWaves Edit Clip