Lessons from the Storm

Lessons from the Storm

Scripture Reference: Acts 27:21 (NKJV) "But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, 'Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.'”

Introduction

Life often feels like a stormy sea—unpredictable, chaotic, and frightening. Acts 27 tells the story of Paul's shipwreck journey to Rome, filled with divine lessons on how to navigate the storms of life.

1. The Danger of Ignoring Godly Counsel

"Men, you should have listened to me..." (Acts 27:21)

Illustration: A hiker ignored the weather forecast and warnings from a ranger, deciding to climb a mountain alone. Hours later, a sudden snowstorm trapped him. Rescue crews found him, but not without significant damage to his health.

Connection: Ignoring wise counsel, like the sailors who disregarded Paul, often leads to unnecessary hardship. God places counselors in our lives to guide and protect us.

Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV): "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."

Proverbs 19:20-21 (NKJV): "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand."

Illustration: Imagine ignoring a GPS warning to turn back and ending up lost. The sailors dismissed Paul's advice, trusting in their own judgment.

Application: Be willing to listen to godly advice, even when it seems inconvenient. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established."

2. God’s Plan Prevails Despite Our Mistakes

Though the sailors made poor decisions, God still used the situation for His glory.

Illustration: Thomas Edison tried thousands of times to perfect the light bulb. When asked about his failures, he famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." His persistence led to one of the most revolutionary inventions in history.

Connection: Even when we stumble or fail, God can use our mistakes as stepping stones to His greater purpose, just as He did with Paul and the shipwreck.

Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV): "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Genesis 50:20 (NKJV): "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

Illustration: A broken vase glued back together can still hold water. Similarly, God can use our failures to accomplish His purpose.

Application: Trust God to redeem your mistakes. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

3. God is Faithful in the Storm

In Acts 27:23-24, Paul reassures the crew, saying, "For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid.’”

Illustration: During Hurricane Katrina, a family found refuge in their attic as floodwaters rose. Trapped for hours, they prayed together, and eventually, a rescue team spotted them. Later, they testified that their faith in God sustained their hope through the storm.

Connection: Just as God was with Paul in his storm, He remains faithful to us in the trials of life. His presence gives us peace and the strength to endure.

Psalm 46:1-2 (NKJV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea."

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV): "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'"

Illustration: A lighthouse doesn’t stop the storm, but it provides direction through it. God’s presence offers peace and guidance in turbulent times.

Application: Remember that God’s promises stand firm, even in the storm. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."

4. Obedience is Key to Survival

Paul instructed the crew to stay on the ship to survive (Acts 27:31). Their safety depended on their willingness to follow his direction.

Illustration: A scuba diver was warned by his instructor not to ascend too quickly, but in his panic, he ignored the instruction. This led to a dangerous condition called "the bends." Had he followed the instructor's advice, he would have been safe.

Connection: Obeying God’s instructions, even when they seem difficult or counterintuitive, often protects us from unnecessary harm.

Luke 11:28 (NKJV): "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

Deuteronomy 5:33 (NKJV): "You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you."

Illustration: Following a lifejacket’s instructions is critical during a water emergency. Disobedience to God’s guidance leads to unnecessary hardship.

Application: Trust and obey God, even when it doesn’t make sense. John 14:15 says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

5. Prepare Spiritually for the Storms

In Acts 27:33-34, Paul encouraged everyone to eat for their survival. Physical preparation parallels spiritual readiness.

Illustration: During the COVID-19 pandemic, families who had prepared emergency supplies—stocked food, water, and medical kits—managed better than those who hadn’t. Preparation beforehand made them resilient during the crisis.

Connection: Just as physical preparation helps in emergencies, spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Scripture study equip us to face life’s challenges with strength and confidence.

Matthew 7:24-25 (NKJV): "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Illustration: Athletes don’t wait until the day of the race to train—they prepare beforehand.

Application: Build spiritual strength daily through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship so you’re equipped when storms come. Ephesians 6:13 says, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day."

6. Faith Over Fear

Illustration: A pilot flying through heavy turbulence reassured passengers with calm instructions. Though the storm outside raged, his composure and faith in the plane’s design calmed the passengers.

Connection: Like the pilot, Paul’s faith steadied the crew in the storm. Faith in God’s promises helps us replace fear with confidence in His plan.

Mark 4:39-40 (NKJV): "Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?'"

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV): "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Paul’s confidence in God was a beacon of hope for the others on board.

Illustration: Like a calm captain steering a ship through rough waters, Paul’s faith steadied the frightened crew.

Application: Let your faith be contagious. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds."

7. God’s Deliverance Often Comes in Unexpected Ways

Illustration: A man stranded in a desert prayed for God to send help. Hours later, a small plane flew over, and the pilot spotted him. The man later shared how he expected a large search team but realized God worked through the unexpected—a lone pilot.

Connection: The shipwreck survivors clung to broken pieces of the ship for deliverance. God’s methods of rescue may not look how we expect, but they are always perfect.

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Exodus 14:13-14 (NKJV): "And Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today... The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'"

The ship was lost, but everyone survived by clinging to broken pieces of the vessel (Acts 27:44).

Illustration: A rescue raft may not look impressive, but it’s life-saving. Similarly, God’s methods may not align with our expectations.

Application: Trust God’s deliverance, even if it looks unconventional. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.

Conclusion

Illustration: A violinist performed in a subway station during rush hour. Few people stopped to listen, unaware that the musician was a world-famous artist playing a multimillion-dollar instrument. Those who paused were blessed with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Connection: In life’s chaos, we often miss God’s hand in our circumstances because it doesn’t come in the form we expect. The storms we face may be His stage to showcase His faithfulness and deliverance.

Psalm 34:17-19 (NKJV): "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Psalm 91:14-16 (NKJV): "'Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.'"

Paul’s experience in Acts 27 teaches us that while storms are inevitable, they are also opportunities to trust God, obey His voice, and grow in faith. Let us remember these lessons and live with the confidence that no storm can sink a life anchored in Christ.

Call to Action: Are you facing a storm today? Turn to God, listen to His counsel, and rest in His promises. His faithfulness will see you through.

Closing Scripture: Psalm 107:29-30 (NKJV) "He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven."

‌Plan of Salvation ‌What do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven? ‌Consider how the Bible answers this question: It's a matter of FAITH: ‌F is for FORGIVENESS ‌7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness. —ReadEphesians 1:7a ‌A is for AVAILABLE ‌Forgiveness is available. It is— ‌"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Available for all—ReadJohn 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. But not automatic—ReadMatthew 7:21a ‌I is for IMPOSSIBLE ‌It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. ‌For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Because of who He is: God is loving and just His judgment is against sin—ReadJames 2:13a ‌for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (We all missed the mark!) Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner—ReadRomans 3:23 ‌But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin? ‌T is for TURN ‌Turn means to repent. ‌that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Turn from something—sin and self—ReadLuke 13:3b And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Turn to Someone; trust Christ only—ReadRomans 10:9 ‌H is for HEAVEN ‌Heaven is eternal life. ‌And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. Here—ReadJohn 10:10b I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Hereafter—ReadJohn 14:3 ‌How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. ‌FAITH: Forsaking All, I Trust Him. ‌Prayer: ‌Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. ‌I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen. ‌After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about this important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer's baptism and church membership. Grow in your faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His church. There, you'll find others who will love and support you. 550 words (5 minutes)