Thank you for stopping by and taking to time to watch, listen, or read this week’s message, Weathering the Storms.
I hope you find encouragement in your faith in Jesus, and maybe even learn something new along the way 🙂
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Recap
It is important for us to pass on the things we have learned through life. As we share our stories, they can help others to not face the same troubles and struggles that we faced.
A couple things from my teen years involve my first car. I didn’t realize the importance of changing the oil until my car broke down on the south side of Fort Wayne one evening. Dad came to the rescue, and it taught me a great lesson.
I also didn’t realize the importance of paying attention to the tires on the car. Mine had gotten really bad and my dad was going with me to Zurcher Tire. On the way, he asked if I heard the rumble coming from the tire. My response? Yes, but I just turn up the radio to drown it out. Again, dad came to the rescue, but I learned an important lesson about paying attention to the tires.
With that experience, I could go to my boys and share what I learned in those two instances. I could teach them, but it was up to them to accept or reject the teaching. If they rejected and fell into trouble, they would face the consequences. They would still be able to reach out to me like I did with my dad. They could have the hope that I would come to their aid. However, if they were attentive, there would be a good chance they would change some habits following the incident.
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Today, we are looking at Acts 27. In this chapter, we will look into some trouble and struggles that Paul faced as he was being taken to Rome to face trial. Just like the truths we pass on to others from our own experiences, so this experience that Paul faces can help us in times of trouble and struggles we face.
1. Live your Life (1-8).
In verses 1-8, the plan was set. Paul had been under guard following some accusations that had come against him in Jerusalem. He had appeared before the Jewish leaders, Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and King Agrippa. At one point, Paul appealed to Caesar, and now he was on his way to Rome for Caesar to hear his case.
So, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion. A ship was secured, and the voyage began. There was some difficulty along the way, but they made it to a port in the town of Fair Havens. We read that Fair Havens was not a great place to winter in for a ship and its crew. So, decisions for their next steps had to be made.
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In the same way, we all have plans for most days and should go ahead and live our lives. We are to do the things we need to do and go to the places we need to go. As we live our lives, we are to be aware that things might get tough. Tough decisions might need to be made.
If tough times come, we should…
2. Be Open to Counsel (9-12).
In verses 9-12 we read that sailing had become difficult, as they experienced on their journey to Fair Havens. We are told that it was after the Day of Atonement. What this tells us is that it was around the beginning of October.
This is important because the idea is that as winter approached, the weather would become more dangerous for sailing. The dangerous season for sailing began around mid-September and lasted until mid-November. After that, all navigation on the open sea came to an end until sometime in March.
Paul had already been involved in a couple shipwrecks at this point, so he shares his opinion on the matter. He tells the centurion that the voyage was going to be disastrous and bring great loss. However, the centurion followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship.
We probably would have done the same. They were the ones that had the experience of sailing the seas. So, they did not heed Paul’s counsel and chose to move on from Fair Havens.
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A lesson in this is that we should always pay attention to the counsel we receive from others. We can always accept or reject the counsel. In this case, the centurion went with the majority vote rather than on Paul’s own word.
A side note on this… there are times when the minority vote is the right path to take. For instance, in Numbers 13, we read about Moses sending out twelve spies into the land of Canaan. When the spies returned, ten said that they should not attempt to take the land for themselves. Only two of the spies believed the land was theirs to take.
It was the two spies that were on the right track. God had promised the land to the Israelites. The ten spies saw the people and were afraid. The two spies saw God’s promise in the land and were sure that He would bring them through.
So, keep in mind the counsel we receive. Is it of man or of God? Are we taking the time to consider the merits of the advice given?
With whatever counsel we choose to follow…
3. Be Aware of Challenges (13-20).
In verses 13-20 we read that Paul’s counsel was not accepted, and they pressed on. There is nothing wrong with their choice. As was stated earlier, I’m guessing that most people would have followed the counsel of the pilot and ship owner over the words from Paul’s lips.
Initially, they had favorable conditions. A gentle sound wind began to blow, and they saw their opportunity weigh anchor and set sail. However, they did run into some problems. A hurricane force wind came upon them. The ship was caught in the storm and the crew could not control its course. So, they gave way to it and were driven along by the wind.
For several days, they did not see the sun or stars, so they had no idea where the storm had taken them. The storm was so violent that they feared they were going to lose the ship with everything and everyone in it. At this point, they had given up all hope of survival.
They chose not to listen to Paul, but they also knew that it was a dangerous time to be sailing. Even though they had a favorable start, they also knew that challenges, obstacles, and adversities were part of their profession.
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For us, we must remember that favorable conditions may not actually be favorable. We may choose to go our own way and may even start on a high note. Perhaps our plans are all falling into place. Even so, we are to look out for the obstacles, the challenges, that may come our way.
When obstacles arise…
4. Be Receptive to Encouragement (21-26).
They had been driven by the storm. The sailors had gone many days without food. They had lost all hope. It is at this point that Paul addresses the crew. He starts out with an “I told you so” type of comment. Paul tells them that they “should have taken my advice… then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.”
It is a harsh opening statement, even though it was true. However, he then gives an encouragement. Paul tells them to keep their courage and that not one of them will be lost. He shares how an angel of God stood beside him and said, “Do not be afraid… God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”
Paul encouraged the crew, while at the same time keeping it real. Yes, God was going to take care of them, but they still had to run aground on some island. It was going to be a rough time, but they would be saved.
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If we ever find ourselves in the face of adversity, we must be receptive to any encouragement that comes our way. It may come from unlikely places. It may start off sounding negative, like Paul’s statement. We might have to dig deep to find the encouragement that is given. Whatever the case, we are to take advantage of, and be receptive to, the encouragement we are given.
As we endure the adversity…
5. Learn from the Consequences (27-32).
Because of the choices made, the ship was driven by the storm for two weeks. Now the sailors sensed they were approaching land. Perhaps they heard the sound of seagulls or the crashing waves on the shore. All we know is that they sensed it and out of fear of crashing against the rocks, they dropped the anchors and prayed for daylight to come.
It is at this time that some sailors made an attempt to escape from the ship. They attempted to lower the lifeboat by pretending to lower some anchors into the sea. Paul noticed their attempt and said to the centurion, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” In other words, if we are not all in on this together, none of us will survive.
Consider the lessons learned on that voyage. When someone offers some advice, give some thought to it. When encouragement is given, accept it. If there are those that are going against the plan, there is a good chance that the plan will fail.
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As we go through life, there will be consequences to our actions, whether good or bad. Some may try to escape the negative consequences from their actions, but it cannot be done. It is better for us to just accept the consequences, but we will need to learn from them.
No matter the situation…
6. Lean into Hope (33-38).
For two weeks, these sailors had gone without food. It is a good possibility that some did not eat because of some seasickness due to the rough seas. Others may not have eaten simply due to the stress of the situation they were in.
Even so, Paul urges them all to take some food. They needed it for strength and survival. He also says to them that, “Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”
Paul took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to eat. Because of Paul’s words and actions, all the sailors were encouraged and ate. They received hope from Paul when they needed it most.
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If we are in the midst of chaos, we can still have hope. We may find ourselves in questionable circumstances. In times like this, we must lean into hope. How many of us are concerned about our families, finances, communities, educational institutions, elected officials, world leaders and events? If we are concerned, we must lean into hope. Our faith is the only thing that can help us through the tough times of life.
As we come through the storms of life…
7. Be Active in the Faith (39-44).
Daylight finally came to the ship and its crew. They saw a sandy beach and decided to run the ship aground. However, in their attempt, they struck a sandbar and ran aground. The front of the ship would not move while the back of the ship was being broken to pieces by the pounding waves.
Some of the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. However, the centurion wanted to save Paul’s life, so he kept the soldiers from carrying out their plan. The order was given for those who could swim to jump overboard and swim to shore. For those who could not swim, they were to find something to hold on to and make their way to shore.
They were all saved, but they still had to do their part. Their lives were spared, but they still had to follow orders to reach their destination.
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For followers of Jesus Christ, it will not always be smooth sailing. There will be times of storms in our lives. We know that salvation comes by faith and not by works, but there are things we still should do. We are to be active in our faith in God.
In the book of James it is written, “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2.18). There are things we should do to grow in our faith. Yes, salvation is free, but our response to our salvation should bring about an active faith.
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As we weather the storms of life…
Go ahead and make plans for your life.
As you live out your plans, listen to suggestions.
Whatever path we take, know that you may face adversity.
Amid times of adversity, find those who will help you through.
Whatever adversity you face, use it as a teaching moment.
During those hard times in life, remember where your hope lies.
As you go through each day, do your part to grow in faith.
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Have a Great Day!