SERMON NOTES

ACTS 27:13-26 (NLT)
(13)When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. (14) But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. (15) The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale. (16) We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat being towed behind us. (17) Then the sailors bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it. They were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship and were driven before the wind. (18) The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. (19) The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. (20) The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. (21) No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. (22) But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. (23) For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, (24) and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ (25) So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. (26) But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

IN EVERY STORM, YOU ARE PROMISED GOD’S PRESENCE

• This storm will not be the end.
• I don’t want the easy life, I want the blessed life.
• Storms may come our way, but if we learn to stand in God’s presence, our spiritual roots grow deep, our love increases, and our trust & reliance on Him grows in a way that cannot happen when the rain is gone and the skies are clear.
• Storms bring a unique experience with God that matures our faith beyond the calmness of life.

IN EVERY STORM, YOU ARE PROMISED GOD’S PURPOSE

• Storms have a way of revealing God’s purpose in a unique kind of way. 
• Why am I here and what’s the purpose?
• Some storms are caused by God because without them we just continue on our way and miss some of the purposes and plans God’s had for us from the very beginning.
• We rarely know why God is doing a thing in the moment but He has an eternal perspective we cannot see.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. How have you experienced God’s presence in the midst of ‘storms’?
2. As you look back at previous storms in your life, how did God use those trying times to redirect your path?
3. Are you experiencing any storms right now and how can God minister to you today?

SERMON AUDIO