Alex Kremer 01-07-2024 // When God Sends a Storm; Acts 27:1-44

Most of us are familiar with the various storms of life, such as the loss of loved ones, or changes in employment or income, difficulties with relationships, etc..  In the midst of these various trials, we can find ourselves struggling to see God's purposes in allowing this situation into our lives.

The book of Acts a three part story which parallels the Lord's call to His disciples to carry the Gospel to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth.  The last portion follows Paul's journey to Rome, beginning all the way back in chapter 19.  The Lord's message to Paul is, "you must stand before Caesar."

But in today's passage from Acts 27, when Paul boards a ship to head to Rome, he is caught in a tremendous storm which threatens both ship, crew and cargo.  But in the midst of this, Paul emerges as a calm leader, to whom eventually even the centurion charged with accompanying Paul defers.

What is it that allowed Paul to face this literal storm with such confidence and peace.  In today's lesson, we will learn three things:

1. This is an historic event witnessed by Luke.
2. We see the Godly leadership and character of Paul
3. No matter the storms in our life, we must remember that this is God's story.  This does not mean that He will calm every storm.  But it does mean that God's purposes will be accomplished.

Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray you will be encouraged through the teaching of God's Word.