Thanks in the Storm

Point: Last week we looked at Paul in his Storm.....during the storm he stopped to give thanks and nourish everyone who had been so scared that they did not eat.

Acts 27:33–36 NLT

33 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. 34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” 35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. 36 Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—

Point: It is interesting that God did not prevent this whole disaster from the beginning

He could have made the captain agree with Paul and delay their voyage

But he allowed decisions to be made that caused a this ship wreck

Why? - We don’t know all of the reasons, but we do know something from the results.

1)A tremendous testimony was achieved

Paul's prophetic word to them proving HIS God is the true God

Paul healing from the snake

God healing everyone on the island from their diseases

There is something powerful about being positive and thankful during great loss and struggle

2)We learn a lot about God’s character and what we can expect as his children.

God is with us in our storms

Boat may be battered, but God’s purpose for your life will be achieved

God’s purpose/will is like ocean currents.

God does not disown us because a mistake was made (did not listen to Paul)

God is very much a parent - as seen through Paul’s behavior

Point: Paul was God’s agent…his representative on the boat

c) Then He does a very parental thing- gets them to eat

What does your mother do when you come home to visit? Feed you

He cares that they will not have strength enough for the rest of the journey- swimming to shore.

Point: Elijah was in a storm of his own.....running from Jezebel

He had decided to lay down and die.....

1 Kings 19:5–8 NLT

5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

Point: Even though Elijah was in a state of anger and fear and being fet-up

God’s parental concern was there for him

Point: God is concerned about your strength for your storm, your journey