There are days, weeks and even seasons when nothing seems to be going our way. We try to do our very best for God and nothing seems to be going right. We tithe and give offerings and then we suffer a layoff. We plan a family activity and a day away and the car breaks down. We try to love people and they turn around and betray us. We try to spend time with the Lord and there are interruptions of every kind. We believe in God’s healing and we get sick. We find ourself in the midst of a storm.
Paul found himself in a storm he did not create. He was a prisoner being transported to Rome (Acts 27). Paul the prophet saw danger ahead and warned his captors that a storm was coming (Acts 27:9-10). No one listened to Paul. So Paul was caught up in a terrible storm. Everyone was suffering. There was no food. There was a lot of fear. Paul had to go through the storm with the people he had warned. Paul had an option. He could of told his captors “See, I told you there was danger” and assumed a prideful role. Paul however chose to pray and seek the Lord. He then speaks to his captors an encouraging word from the Lord and the promise of hope.
Paul says, “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ” (Acts 27:25, NIV) Here we find our keys for getting through the storms.
First Paul prayed. He searched for the presence of the Lord in the midst of the storm. He had heard how Jesus calmed the storm for the disciples and Paul believed that Jesus who never changes could do the same for him. We too can pray and wait and seek the Lord until we encounter HIM in the storm. Second, Paul encouraged those around him in the storm. As you go through the challenges, keep in mind that many around you are also facing difficulties. You, as a believer, have the ability to encourage them and help them to see Jesus in the midst of the storm.
The final key is faith. Paul had faith that even though all looked hopeless, that what God had told him would happen. He did not know how he would get to Rome, only that the Lord said he would get to Rome. What has the Lord spoken to you? Hang on to that word of hope in your storm. God cannot lie and although the path to your destiny and your future is not what you expected, God will bring you exactly where you need to be.
You can trust that God will direct your paths and bring you into your future. In the meantime, enjoy the journey and encourage those around you that God cares for them too!
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