October 12, 2025 - I Don't Believe He Brought Me This Far

Devotional

Day 1: God Didn’t Bring You This Far to Leave You

No matter how fierce the storms of life may become, you can trust that God is faithful and will not abandon you in your journey. Even when you face setbacks, uncertainty, or fear, remember the countless times He has already brought you through. The same God who delivered you before is still with you now, and His presence is your assurance that you will not be left alone. When you look back over your life and see the trials you’ve survived, let it remind you that God’s purpose for you is not finished—He is still guiding you forward, even if the path is rocky. [55:05]

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt abandoned or alone—how did God show up for you, and how can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in your current season?

Day 2: Seasons Matter

Every season of life has its own challenges and opportunities, and it’s important to recognize the significance of timing in God’s plan. Just as autumn is not the best season for sailing, there are moments when waiting or letting go is wiser than pressing forward. Sometimes, God allows certain things to fall away so that you are not weighed down for the new growth He has planned. Trust that even when things seem to be falling apart, God is preparing you for renewal and new beginnings. Let go of what you cannot carry into the next season, and embrace the hope that storms and hard times do not last forever. [01:13:39]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Reflection: What is one thing you sense God is asking you to let go of in this season so that you can be ready for what He wants to do next?

Day 3: Stay on the Ship

When life gets turbulent and you’re tempted to give up or go your own way, remember that God’s blessings often come with the condition of perseverance and unity. The promise of making it safely to shore was given to everyone on Paul’s ship, but only if they all stayed together. In your faith journey, this means holding fast to God’s Word, staying connected to your community, and not abandoning your spiritual practices even when things get tough. Don’t jump ship when the storm rages—cling to the promises of God, feed on His Word, and trust that He will bring you through. [01:18:53]

Acts 27:30-31 (ESV)
"And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.'"

Reflection: Where are you tempted to “jump ship” in your faith or relationships, and what would it look like to stay committed and trust God’s process today?

Day 4: God Provides—Even on Broken Pieces

Sometimes, the storms of life will break apart the very things you thought would carry you safely. Yet, God’s promise is not always to keep the ship intact, but to get you to shore—sometimes on broken pieces. Even when your strength is gone and you feel like you’re barely holding on, God can use what remains to bring you through. Don’t despise the fragments; instead, give thanks for every piece that keeps you afloat. However you arrive, God’s faithfulness is what matters, and He will use even the brokenness in your life for your deliverance. [01:26:59]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: What “broken pieces” in your life can you thank God for today, trusting that He is using them to bring you safely to where you need to be?

Day 5: Jesus Saves the Guilty

Just as Julius intervened to save the prisoners who deserved death, Jesus intervenes for us—guilty as we are—and offers us life instead of the punishment we deserve. His sacrifice on the cross means that, though we were condemned, we are now set free by His grace. This is the heart of the gospel: not that we earned our rescue, but that Jesus chose to save us out of His love and mercy. Let this truth fill you with gratitude and boldness to live for Him, knowing that your life is a testimony of His saving power. [01:29:26]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the saving grace of Jesus, and how can you share your story of His mercy with them this week?

Sermon Summary

Life is a journey filled with seasons—some calm, some stormy, and some that test the very core of our faith. As we walk this road, it’s easy to forget that God’s goodness and mercy are not just for the easy days, but especially for the rocky ones. When storms arise, whether in our families, our health, or our nation, we are reminded that God has not brought us this far to leave us. The story of Paul’s journey to Rome in Acts 27 is a powerful reminder that our current location, no matter how turbulent, does not dictate our final destination. God’s promises remain, even when the ship is battered and the storm is fierce.

Paul’s experience teaches us that seasons matter. There are times when it’s wise to pause and heed God’s timing, even if others don’t understand. Autumn, or fall, is a season of letting go—leaves fall so that new life can come in the spring. In our lives, there are things we must release, trusting that God is preparing us for new growth. Sometimes, the storms we face are not just passing showers but life-altering events. Yet, storms don’t last always, and God is present in every season.

Another lesson is the importance of staying on the ship. When the journey gets rough, it’s tempting to abandon ship, to give up on faith, community, or hope. But God’s promise of deliverance often comes with the condition that we remain steadfast, even when others are ready to jump overboard. Staying on the ship means feeding ourselves with God’s word, drawing strength for the journey ahead.

Even when the ship breaks apart, God provides. Some may have the strength to swim to safety, while others make it on broken pieces. The method may differ, but God’s faithfulness ensures that we reach the shore. And just as Julius intervened to save the prisoners, we are reminded of Jesus, who saves us not because we are innocent, but because of His grace. No matter how battered we are, God’s love carries us through, and we can trust that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Key Takeaways

1. Seasons Matter: Discern the Timing of God Every season has its purpose, and not all are meant for forward movement. Autumn teaches us to let go of what we cannot carry into the next phase, trusting that God is preparing us for renewal. Doing the right thing at the wrong time can still lead to trouble, so it’s vital to seek God’s wisdom for each season. Letting go is not loss, but preparation for new life. [73:39]
2. Stay on the Ship: Perseverance in Community When storms hit, the temptation is to abandon ship and seek our own way out. Yet, God’s promise of deliverance is often tied to our willingness to remain together, supporting one another through adversity. The blessing is for those who endure, not those who escape. Faithfulness in the storm is a testimony to God’s sustaining power. [78:23]
3. Feed on God’s Word: Strength for the Journey In the midst of chaos, spiritual nourishment is essential. Just as Paul urged the sailors to eat for strength, we must feed on God’s promises to endure the journey. The Word of God is not just information, but sustenance that empowers us to face whatever lies ahead. Our spiritual diet determines our resilience in the storm. [82:30]
4. God Delivers by Any Means: Trust the Process Deliverance may not look like we expect—sometimes we swim, sometimes we cling to broken pieces. The important thing is not the method, but the faithfulness of God to bring us through. Even when the ship breaks apart, God’s promise stands: we will make it to shore. Our journey may be messy, but God’s grace is sufficient for every circumstance. [86:07]
5. Grace for the Guilty: The Greater Rescue Like the prisoners who deserved death but were spared by Julius, we too are recipients of unmerited grace. Jesus intervenes on our behalf, saving us not because of our innocence, but because of His love. Our salvation is secured not by our own merit, but by the sacrifice of Christ, who ensures we are never left behind.

** [89:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:52] - Financial Literacy for Teens
[31:47] - Praise and Worship: God’s Goodness
[37:23] - Prayer for Strength and Guidance
[38:28] - Testimony: God Didn’t Bring Us This Far to Leave Us
[51:36] - Anniversary Reflections and Life’s Storms
[53:49] - Facing Unexpected Trouble
[55:05] - Storms and the Reality of Fear
[56:53] - Paul’s Journey: From Saul to Apostle
[59:43] - Speaking Truth and Facing Opposition
[61:59] - The Mission to Rome and the Stormy Journey
[64:07] - Painful Progress and Perseverance
[66:07] - Jesus Cares for People, Not Just Processes
[67:55] - The Importance of Seasons
[73:39] - Letting Go in Autumn: Spiritual Lessons
[75:05] - Stay on the Ship: God’s Conditional Promise
[82:30] - Feeding on God’s Word
[86:07] - Making It on Broken Pieces
[89:26] - Grace for the Guilty: Jesus Our Rescuer
[92:18] - Closing and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 27:9-44 (ESV) — (Paul’s journey to Rome, the storm at sea, and God’s promise of deliverance)

Romans 8:28 (ESV) — “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) — “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Observation Questions

In Acts 27, what warning does Paul give about the timing of their journey, and how do the sailors respond?
According to the sermon, what is the significance of the autumn (fall) season in the story, and what does it symbolize for our lives?
What condition does God attach to His promise of deliverance for everyone on the ship?
When the ship breaks apart, what different ways do people make it to shore, and what does this show about God’s faithfulness?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of recognizing the right season and timing, even when others disagree or don’t understand?
The sermon says, “God’s blessings come with conditions.” How does this idea challenge or encourage your understanding of God’s promises?
What does it mean to “stay on the ship” in the context of faith and community, especially when storms hit?
The story ends with some people swimming and others clinging to broken pieces. What does this teach about the different ways God brings people through hard times?

Application Questions

Is there something in your life right now that you sense God is asking you to let go of, like the leaves falling in autumn? What would it look like to trust God with that release?
Have you ever been tempted to “jump ship” when life got hard—maybe by giving up on faith, church, or relationships? What helped you stay, or what might help you stay next time?
The sermon talks about feeding on God’s Word for strength. What is one practical way you can make God’s Word a regular part of your spiritual “diet” this week?
When you look back at a stormy season in your life, can you see how God brought you through—maybe not in the way you expected? How did that experience shape your faith?
The story of Julius saving the prisoners is compared to Jesus saving us by grace. How does remembering that you are saved by grace (not by your own merit) affect the way you see yourself and others?
Are there people in your life or in our church community who might be “clinging to broken pieces” right now? How can you come alongside them and offer support or encouragement?
What is one area where you need to trust God’s process, even if the outcome or the “method” doesn’t look like what you hoped for? How can the group pray for you in that area?

Sermon Clips

Showers may come with intensity, but they don't have longevity. But storms sometimes come in slow but stay long. Storms aren't the toothpaste top being off the toothpaste. Storms aren't leaving the toilet seat up. Storms aren't a cold storms are. Or infidelity storms are divorce storms are a cancer diagnosis. Storms are when your rider dies, stop riding and leave you to die. And I'm suggesting that when the storms of life are raging, that Ain't the time to be playing around. [01:11:02] (57 seconds) #StormsAreNotTemporary

Because I'm from central Florida and I've seen storms and I've seen storms tear up houses and I've seen storms destroy some playgrounds. But there's one thing I know about storms. Storms don't last always. And I want to help somebody in here that may feel the winds of life blowing and the water may be coming in fast. But can I tell you there's hope this afternoon because I know somebody that if he's on your ship, can go to the front of the bow, look at your storm and say, peace, be still. [01:12:18] (56 seconds) #HopeInTheMidstOfWinds

But can I tell you what you need to do while you're on the ship? Eat something. Paul said, y' all been scared on the ship and haven't had anything to eat. But if you're gonna make it to shore, you gonna need some strength for the journey that's in front of you. Now, y' all think I'm talking about fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese and cornbread. Not cornbread. Cornbread. Because cornbread is jiffy, but cornbread is from scratch. Y' all ain't gonna help me in here. But that's not the kind of eating I'm talking about. I'm talking about, if you gonna stay on this ship, you need to eat the Scroll. You need to eat the word of God. [01:21:17] (68 seconds) #NourishYourSpirit

He said that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. He said, eat. He said, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. You ought to eat something. You ought to eat something like, confess with your mouth and believe with your heart the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved. Is there anybody hungry in here? Stay on the ship and have something to eat. [01:22:30] (45 seconds) #StrengthThroughFaith

But it's because I'm simple minded. When I heard Julius saving the prisoners, it made me realize that the prisoners were guilty and they deserved to die. But Julius decided that even though they deserve to die, I'm gonna save them anyway. Good afternoon, St. Mark. May the Lord be bless you real good. His name was Julius. But there's somebody else with a J, J, S, U, S that found some prisoners that were guilty of the crime. Oh, shucks. I thought I was talking about y'. Let me talk about myself. I should have been dead Sleeping in my grave. But one day Jesus said he shall live and not die. Is there anybody in here that wants to tell him thank you? I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me. He made sure of it. [01:28:28] (88 seconds)

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