Stay the Course

Acts 27:21–25 NKJV

21 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. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

Pray: God help us to stay the course. Amen.

I want to talk to you about staying the course and navigating the complexity of life by faith.

The world we live in has changed since 2020 and will continue to do so. Instead of being complicated, things have become complex. Complicated means that there are many components that work together to create situations and circumstances. But we can usually predict how to address them by breaking them down in pieces and approaching them linearly, step-by-step.

Complex systems are different. They are more distributed and it is harder to discern what the problem actually is. In a complex system it is more challenging to discover what the individual parts are going to produce and what will emerge. Complex systems are often non-linear and happen in fits and bursts.

We’re moving from a complicated to a complex world. We understand complicated and can deal with the known unknowns. We can break things down in chunks and work our way to a solution. But when there are so many things happening at once and things are hitting in different areas where we have little or no idea how they are going to impact each other.

With the complexity of globalization, the destabilization and decentralization that comes with it, we are seeing an assault on institutions and structures that once provided stability. As a result, we are seeing an increase in anxiety and stress.

We need to know that the world is not going back to pre-2020 normal and we need to consider what that means for being a Christian in these times and our mission to reach the lost.

When we can discover and practice what it takes to stay the course, we will find rest for our souls in the simplicity of faith and reach others with the hope of Jesus.

Another Way

Prior to our text, where Paul offers hope, he gave a word of wisdom to those around him.

Acts 27:9–12 NKJV

9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

The trip would have turned out differently if the centurion had listened to Paul instead of the “experts.” They were not prepared for what was coming. Conditions had changed.

In the same way, listening to the world’s experts will not help us overcome the world. Things have changed. Relationships have changed. The structures that once offered stability and constancy are being attacked and brought down.

The things that once worked—the tools and techniques—were designed for another world.

We need to get back to the Biblical way and walk the path that Jesus set. His Way has survived the fall of nations and cultures. His Way is an ancient way, established in the heavens, with the wisdom and knowledge of God behind it (Jeremiah 6.16, Psalm 119.89, John 1.1-5).

The way of Jesus is the only way to truth and life (John 14.6). It is the only way to peace that passes understanding (cf. Philippians 4.6-7).

If we want to overcome and thrive in the face of the changes of the world around us, we must press in to the kingdom of God and His righteousness like never before (cf. Matthew 6.33).

How to Stay the Course

Acts 27:13–20 NKJV

13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.

It can be hard to navigate when you are in the middle of a storm. This is true of individuals, churches, communities, or countries.

It can seem like you can’t plot a course because there is no clear view to the sun nor stars or any indicators that you are moving in the right direction.

It can be difficult to see and hear when the winds of change are blowing all around.

What most of us do is do all that we can to stay on the ship and keep it from sinking.

But there are three keys in this story that will help us face the wind and the waves and make it safely to the other side.

Keep Trusting God

We need to keep trusting God and ensure that we remain in the faith.

Acts 27:25 NKJV

Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

Paul could have been discouraged at this point in the trip. Many days of fasting and praying. He tried to warn the captain and the centurion that this would happen, but they didn’t listen.

He was on that ship because of his faith. He had to make a defense before Caesar because of persecution.

Wet, cold, tired, hungry…he could have just given up.

But he didn’t. Instead, he trusted God. Instead he determined to do what God had said and stay on course.

Institutions like the church which provided stability and served as a pillar for truth are being attacked and questioned. It doesn’t help that people who sought the refuge of God among the people of God have been hurt and disappointed by poor leaders and immature saints.

This isn’t just about the church, this is happening throughout all of the West. This is the general mood of the culture.

This is why all the more we must resist the pull away from the house of God which is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth (cf. 1 Timothy 3.15). This is why all the more we must stand on the Scriptures which are given by the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3.16).

The kingdoms of this world are passing, but the kingdom of God is ever increasing (cf. 1 Corinthians 7.31, Isaiah 9.7).

Daniel 7:13–14 NKJV

13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

Keep trusting in God (Proverbs 3.5). Stand on His word (2 Thessalonians 2.15). Resist the pull away from fellowship (Hebrews 10.25). Guard your heart (Proverbs 4.23). Be diligent to be found in the faith (2 Corinthians 13.5).

Keep Praying to God

Acts 27:22–24 NKJV

22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Throughout the midst of the storm, Paul prayed. He fasted and prayed.

If we are going to weather the storms of change, we need to keep praying and ensure that we are listening to God and for God.

When the angel came with the answer Paul was seeking, he was ready to respond.

Not only that, because of Paul’s prayers no life was lost on the ship.

Now, and possibly more than ever, we need to be people of prayer.

We need to pray for governmental authority (1 Timothy 2.2).

We need to pray for the lost (1 Timothy 2.3).

We need to pray for spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13.7).

We need to pray for each other (James 5.16).

If we are going to get wisdom and remain in the will of God, we need to make sure that we are praying regularly and often (Luke 18.1, Ephesians 6.18).

Keep Preaching the Kingdom

Acts 27:24 NKJV

24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Acts 27:33–37 NKJV

33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship.

In the midst of the storm, God kept Paul for purpose.

Paul was meant to preach the gospel before Caesar. And, Paul was able to preach the gospel to the men on the ship with him.

In the midst of a changing world, the hope we have in God should remain constant. It is in this season that revival is most likely.

The harvest is ripe and ready due to the anxiety and uncertainty that people are experiencing (cf. John 4.35). Their sins are unforgiven and they sense that judgment follows (Hebrews 9.27).

As we learn to overcome the storms of change, we will be positioned to proclaim the goodness of God to others.

We must keep preaching. We must keep seeking the lost. We must keep building the church and advancing God’s kingdom.

When you focus on the kingdom first, and reaching the lost, you discover that all things work together for your good (Matthew 6.33, Matthew 28.18-20, Romans 8.28).

You will find purpose and impact and not be tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of man (cf. Ephesians 4.14).

When you stay focused on the heart of God, you will find that you have peace and are not worried about so many of the things of this life. People are the heart of God. So preach the kingdom early and often.

Conclusion

John 16:33 NKJV

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus offers a way to overcome the tribulation in the world. As we stay the course and remain in faith, prayer, and continue preaching the kingdom we will have the peace that follows.

Instead of complexity, we will discover simplicity. Instead of anxiety, we will have peace.

And because we do these things and stay the course, we will be secure on stable ground in the face of the wind and the waves.

Pray: Pray for us to continue in the things of God.