Grace in the Storm

Introduction:

This world seems to be in utter chaos. War raging in the east, markets upheaved, economic sanctions and changes levied - the future, on many fronts - uncertain. Many today find themselves under stormy skies, bracing for the next wave of life to hit.

The Sea has long been a symbol of calamity and trouble in this world. In the Bible it serves as both a tool for God’s judgement (i.e. Noah, Jonah) and a constant threat against the illusion of human autonomy and control, as all but the Son of God Himself must bend to it’s will and hope for it’s mercy.

Stormy seas is the context for our passage today. As we read, we will see that God is ever and always true to His Word - even when everything around us is falling apart. There is Grace in the storm.

Read Acts 27

Heed the Blessing of Godly Wisdom

Paul had Godly insight. It didn't require supernatural revelation, but may have included it. It certainly came from a spirit-filled discerning heart.

v.9-11 - He saw the peril of travel in those conditions, but the commander listened to others instead.

v.30-31 - Later, when Paul spoke they listened.

Warned of the deception and potential loss of the sailors that would lead to their death - He believed God, but also acted in wisdom to bring it about! Difference between wisdom and knowledge is that wisdom is knowledge put into action!

v.33-34 - He urged them to eat for strength - They were about to lose all, they needed to eat what they could, while they could “for their preservation” (Spoke and acted - example)

The wisdom and warnings of God are a blessing and help to those who will hear (Ex. Proverbs - only “fools despise wisdom and instruction”! - Proverbs 1:7)

Proverbs 8:33 ESV

33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.

We need wisdom!

God has given us so many avenues for Godly wisdom. Our wives/husbands, our children, His Word, His Spirit, other brothers and sisters in Christ. Some have family to lean on, friends or mentors in the faith. Seek it. Then listen to it. Pray and ask God for the discernment and wisdom to do what is best and right.

As much as ever, our leaders need wisdom. James 1:5-6 tells us we can pray for wisdom. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us to pray for those in authority. We need to intercede for our national and international leaders, that they might attain wisdom and discernment to do what is best.

Wisdom and warning for today

James 3:13-18

Choose your source carefully: There’s a difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Guard who/what you are listening to!

Ex. The sailors had ulterior motives: profit and pride.

Conduct matters - it shows discernment or the lack thereof.

Ex. Sailors dishonorable conduct - is that us, too proud to listen, too cowardly to own our mistakes?

Ex. my own difficulty (hearing wisdom from others - maybe shouldn’t cut down trees with chainsaw by myself on the ice?)

Matthew 6:33–34 NASB95

33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Here’s wisdom for today: God will provide. We do what we can, what we know to do. But we do not worry about what might be. Deal with today and trust in God.

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

2 Peter 3:11–13 NASB95

11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Warning! This world will end. We must live with urgency, walking in holiness knowing that we will all soon face God!

See also 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

We are called to be a beacon of wisdom in this confused and chaotic world. We have the Word of God, the oracles of scripture. We have perspective that this world needs, and a connection to the God who ultimately rules it. The Word of God must speak clearly and powerfully to all of this stormy life. If we're not speaking it, reading it, praying for it, how will we hear or heed? How will others?

Not only must we heed the blessing of godly wisdom, but we must...

Look for God’s Encouragement

They’d lost hope, but God gave Paul Encouragement to Help 

v.20-26 -(“do not be afraid”, “keep up your courage”)

v.34-36 - He encouraged them to eat, that they might act upon God’s promise

Not only do we need and have wisdom, we need and have encouragement in the Lord!

Start by looking for encouragement! Faith knows God, believes God. If He is who He says, loves us like he says, and will do what He says then we will see signs of His grace and be encouraged! (Not always easy to see in the midst of the storm.) Look!

Never before Pentecost had God's people such means for encouragement - His Word, His Spirit (Paraclete/Comforter/Helper) and the witness of His church all serve to help us amid the stormy waters of this world.

Jesus is encouragement personified. He lifts up the low. He brings help to the hurting. He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 for the 1, the physician who comes to treat the sick. Jesus is the source, and example of our encouragement.

Where are you looking? Are you watching the waves and the clouds? Are you listening to the roar of the sea and the claps of thunder? Or are your eyes and ears fixed on the Most High? Hear Him! Let Him be your refuge! He has not, nor will He ever forsake you.

Hear and believe what God has said!

Psalm 46 , Isaiah 43:1-5 - He is with us! He is our stronghold!

John 16:31-33

John 16:31–33 NASB95

31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 - Though hardships come, even to the extreme, we will not be destroyed. God will save. The end will be better, God will bring glory and grace even through the chaos. He has overcome.

In Christ, we have Peace. We need not fear because what He has given us will transcend this world and it’s storms and one day, true peace will reign.

John 14:27 NASB95

27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

See also Isaiah 2:2-4, Psalm 27:1-7

Revelation 22:20–21 NASB95

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Jesus is coming again.

God’s grace is ours in Him, and we can receive Grace to persevere through His wisdom and through the encouragements along the way. May we both look for then, and share what we see! Finally, we must...

Trust in Grace of God

v.3, 43-44

God's grace is often manifested in the storm. It was through a storm that Jonah was tossed overboard and carried to safety by a big fish, it was the big fish that brought him as a messenger of grace to the Ninevites.

It was through false accusation, imprisonment, threats on his life, stormy seas and shipwreck that Paul would be brought to Rome.

We cannot, and do not see what God sees. All we know is that God can, and does use our circumstances for His purposes of Grace.

God often accomplishes His will in ways we least expect

Paul's captor became Paul's deliverer. A prisoner of Rome became a crucial voice of encouragement and hope to all. A broken up ship became the life-saver of many who otherwise could not make it ashore. What seem to be obstacles against us are often the very instruments God will use to demonstrate His marvelous grace.

Trust in God who is sovereign over all, and whose mercy and grace motivate even the darkest providence.

"Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face."

Friends, brothers, sisters - There is grace! Even in the darkest days, there is!

There has been, and there will be more

John 1:16 NASB95

16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

There is Grace to persevere...

2 Corinthians 12:8–9 NASB95

8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

There is grace to save and sanctify

Titus 2:11–12 NASB95

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

When you feel like all hope is lost, when you are on the edge of despair, trust in His grace! God’s supply is never-ending,

So we worship. We sing songs like "It is Well", "Amazing Grace," and "God Moves in Mysterious Ways". We proclaim the truth of God's faithfulness and grace from the pulpit and to each other. We take every opportunity to fill ourselves with His Word and practice our faith in God in each circumstance. We lean on each other, and lean towards each other. We help, we pray, we listen, and speak up. We be the church of God and ministers of His grace to Christ's Body and, as an extension of that, to the world.

Conclusion:

*”God Moves in Mysterious Ways” by William Cowper

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines, of never-failing skill; he fashions up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, the clouds that you much dread, are big with mercy and will break in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.

Heed (wisdom and warnings)

Look (for signs and words of grace that encourage your soul)

Trust (in God’s unending, all-powerful grace to you)

Resources:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/god-moves-in-a-mysterious-way/