What To Do In The Midst Of The Storm

Temple Baptist Church 4-20-2008


Acts 27:1-44 (1-14)

Introduction:

A. Job declared that “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” Jacob said, “Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.”

B. Troubles are, unfortunately, a way of life! The Christian is not exempted from the trials and tribulations of this life. How many songs have been written about hardships of life? “Till The Storm Passes By,” “It Is Well,” “Master, The Tempest Is Raging,” “Stand By Me!”

C. Paul the prisoner, on his way to Rome and Caesar, encounters a storm in the Mediterranean Sea.

1) The storm is not one of his choosing,

2) nor is it one of his making. He just happens to be in the will of God in the middle of it. Some would argue the “will of God” part of it, but the Lord said to him, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”

D. We see many storms in our own personal lives, go through them, and find that the Lord is faithful in the midst of them. In spite of this knowledge, we often get out of the will of God while in them if we are not careful. I want to look at some things that brought these men to the other side of the storm that will help us in our storms.

1. They Let Her Drive – vs. 15

a. The storm was too strong to resist. To steer across the storm would have been suicidal! The ship would either have been broken in two or swamped by the waves of the sea.
Nahum 1:3 The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.

b. We may “buck” small winds and rain storms, but when the hurricane comes, we have to “Let her drive.” Do the best you can but do not let the storm break you down.

2. They Used Helps – vs. 17

a. When most go through storms, their pride makes them have to look invincible! At one time of another, we all need help—even your pastor! Never let a storm isolate you from your helps.
b. Choose those helps wisely. The Lord has given to us His Word, the precious Holy Spirit, compassionate brethren, etc. Never be afraid to either ask for help or take honest help that is offered.

3. They Lightened The Ship – vs. 18-19

a. Lighten your load by staying right with the Lord or getting right with the Lord. Many choose to get out of God’s will and stay that way.

b. Lighten your load by taking it to the Lord and leaving it there. c. Lighten your load by allowing others to share it with you. A burden shared is half a burden!

4. Realize That You Are Not Forsaken – vs. 23

a. The Lord is with you! b. You belong to Him! c. And Keep On Serving Him

5. Anchor Deep And Keep Your Faith Encouraged – vs. 29

a. I have heard messages on those “Four Anchors” that will hold you in the storm. We certainly have anchors and I have mentioned some: The Bible, The Church, The Saints, The Holy Spirit, The Promises of God.

b. The main things is to anchor securely so that you will not move and be broken upon the rocks that are hidden under the waves of the storm. Many ships have perished on the rocks or reefs because they allowed the storm to blow them that way.

c. The song writer said, “My Anchor holds onto the Solid Rock! That Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the One!

6. They Remained In The Ship – vs. 30-31

a. Don’t jump ship! So many of God’s people get out of Church when troubles come. They simply give up and say, “What’s the use!” They live to regret it.

b. No one in their right mind would bail out of a perfectly good airplane during a turbulent storm! No one in their right mind would jump over the rail of a perfectly good ship in a hurricane!

c. Stand still, be quiet, and expectantly wait upon the Lord.

7. Stay Fed Spiritually – vs. 33-36

a. You must keep your spiritual strength up through God’s Word. You will find that He will give you what you need when you need it and it will give you strength for the task ahead.

b. The Word of God will cheer you in your darkest hour by strengthening both your faith and resolve for the task ahead.

8. Commit Yourself To The Sea – vs. 40-44

a. Commitment will take you a long way when trouble comes. Commitment to do what is right and stay in the storm as long as it takes to bring about the right end.

b. Commit your soul and safekeeping to the Lord! He will not fail you!
Conclusion: You know, Paul never blamed God for the storm. He simply trusted God in the storm and, one day, made it safely to the other side of it.