Trusting God Amid Life's Storms: Lessons from Paul
Summary
In the sermon, I explored the story of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27, drawing out metaphorical and allegorical values that can be applied to our lives today. I emphasized the importance of trusting in God's promises, even in the midst of life's storms. I highlighted how Paul, despite being in a dire situation, trusted in God's promise that he and his shipmates would survive the storm. This trust was not blind but was based on a divine revelation Paul received from an angel. I also pointed out how the sailors, in their desperation, tried to escape the storm by launching a skiff, contrary to Paul's warning. This act of self-preservation, driven by fear and lack of faith, could have led to their demise had the soldiers not intervened by cutting off the skiff.
In the second part of the sermon, I delved deeper into the sailors' attempt to escape and the soldiers' intervention. I pointed out how the soldiers, who initially ignored Paul's advice not to sail, now heeded his warning. This change of heart, I suggested, was due to their experience of the storm, which opened their ears to Paul's divinely inspired counsel. I also highlighted Paul's act of giving thanks and breaking bread in the midst of the storm, an act that encouraged everyone on board. This act, I suggested, is a model for us to follow: to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
- Trusting in God's promises can give us peace and courage in the midst of life's storms. This trust is not blind but is based on God's revealed word. ([34:12])
- Fear and lack of faith can lead us to make decisions that could jeopardize our lives. The sailors' attempt to escape the storm is a case in point. ([35:24])
- Experiencing difficulties can open our ears to God's counsel. The soldiers' change of heart after experiencing the storm illustrates this point. ([51:54])
- Giving thanks in all circumstances can encourage us and those around us. Paul's act of giving thanks and breaking bread in the midst of the storm is a model for us to follow. ([54:53])
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. Sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of a storm not of our own making, but due to the actions of others. This can be a difficult and challenging time, but it's important to remember that God is still with us and can use these situations for His glory ([49:33]).
2. There are times when we may feel like we're in the middle of a storm and we didn't cause it. It's during these times that we need to listen to God's voice and trust in His plan, even when it seems like all hope is lost ([50:32]).
3. Even in the midst of the storm, we can still give thanks to God. This act of gratitude can encourage others and remind us of God's faithfulness, even when circumstances are challenging ([01:01:01]).
4. Sometimes, in our desperation to escape the storm, we may try to take matters into our own hands. However, it's important to heed God's instructions and stay the course, trusting in His promise of deliverance ([57:57]).
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Acts 27
2. Job 1
3. Psalm 107
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 27, how did Paul respond when he found himself in the middle of a storm due to the actions of others?
2. How did the sailors react when they found themselves in the storm? What does this tell us about human nature?
3. What does Paul's act of giving thanks in the midst of the storm (Acts 27:35) reveal about his faith?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Job relate to the main points from the sermon about experiencing storms not of our own making?
2. In Psalm 107, the psalmist speaks of those who "went out on the sea in ships". How does this passage deepen our understanding of trusting God in the midst of storms?
3. What does Paul's warning to the sailors about trying to escape the storm teach us about obedience and trust in God's promises?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you found yourself in a "storm" due to the actions of others? How did you respond and what did you learn from that experience?
2. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude like Paul, even in the midst of life's storms?
3. What steps can we take to heed God's instructions and trust in His promises when we're tempted to take matters into our own hands during difficult times?
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in the Storm
In the midst of life's storms, we often feel alone and overwhelmed. However, God is always present, even when we can't see Him. He is not just a passive observer, but an active participant, guiding us through the storm and providing comfort and strength. He is the anchor that keeps us steady when everything else is in turmoil. [34:12]
Bible passage: Nahum 1:7 - "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you experience God's presence during this time?
Day 2: Listening in the Storm
When we are in the midst of a storm, it's easy to focus on our circumstances and miss what God is trying to tell us. However, it's often in these difficult times that God speaks the loudest. We need to quiet our hearts and listen to His voice, trusting that He will guide us through. [58:36]
Bible passage: 1 Kings 19:11-12 - "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
Reflection: Think about a time when you were so focused on your circumstances that you missed God's voice. How can you better listen for His voice in the future?
Day 3: Accepting Christ in the Storm
Accepting Christ is not a one-time event, but a daily decision. Even in the midst of a storm, we can choose to turn to Him, trusting in His love and grace. When we do, we find a peace and hope that can sustain us through any storm. [01:10:55]
Bible passage: Psalm 62:5-6 - "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did accepting Christ in the midst of this storm change your perspective?
Day 4: Survival in the Storm
In the midst of a storm, it's easy to lose hope and feel like giving up. However, God provides us with the strength and nourishment we need to survive. He sustains us through the storm, reminding us that He is not done with us yet. [01:01:42]
Bible passage: Isaiah 40:29 - "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up in the midst of a storm. How did God provide you with the strength to keep going?
Day 5: The Purpose of the Storm
Sometimes, the storms we face are not punishments, but opportunities for growth and transformation. They can be the means through which God shapes us into the people He wants us to be. Even when we can't see the purpose in the storm, we can trust that God is working for our good. [01:02:43]
Bible passage: James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did this storm shape you and help you grow in your faith?
Quotes
1. "Sometimes it feels like nobody gets it and nobody understands but I'm telling you they do. You don't know that what you're going through isn't going to reach somebody else and that what God's doing with you might be the reason that he's doing it. That he's letting you go through it is because there's people around you that need to see your story so that they can be saved." 01:07:43
2. "Sometimes you're in the middle of a storm and you didn't even do it, somebody else did it. Sometimes there's storms in our life that you can't stop, other people created but yet you're the one in the middle of it. Sometimes it just happens that you get to the point that you're in the middle of something that you didn't create, you didn't ask for, you didn't do it, you didn't do something wrong, you didn't sin." 49:05
3. "We just asked that you would touch people today who might not know you and that your word would penetrate any hearts and that you would make your Living Word fresh and new to us today. That you would have us see what you would like for us to see, that you would open our hearts to whatever it is that you want us to hear today." 33:33
4. "I know it doesn't look like there's an end to the storm but there's an incoming. I know it doesn't feel like it at times. The storm feels endless when you're there but these men when Paul gave thanks to God they were encouraged and they all ate and they were all strengthened. Is the storm over? No, the storm's not over but they've got to keep going, they've got to press through it." 01:01:30
5. "Jesus made you a promise and this is what he said. He didn't say if you'll come unto him he'll take all the storms away. He told you that if you'll come unto him that he'll be with you in the storm. Did you hear the difference there?" 01:07:43
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