Storms of Life

Reading: Acts 27

"But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along." Acts 27:14-16

Examination:

This verse would usher in two weeks of hell on earth for the crew and passengers of this ship. In studying this chapter I see a few things that are important to remember about storms of life.

Application:

There are normally warnings before storms hit. In this verse, Paul warned the ships crew what would happen, but they were too consumed with everything that was going on around them. The same is true of me. Most every trial I have faced in life I was given a warning that it was coming. Sometimes I heard it. Sometimes I did not. But hindsight usually reveals I ignored the warnings. The better I slow down and pay attention to what God is saying to me, the better my chances are of avoiding or either weathering the storm.

The length of the storm has a greater impact than the severity of it. The men on this ship stayed engaged and fought against losing their battle with the storm. Eventually they reached the end of their strength and began to lose hope; except for Paul. The men on the ship put hope in their resourcefulness and skills. Paul put his hope in God. I need to always remember that my resourcefulness has boundaries. If a storm lasts long enough I will reach the end of myself.

The promise of God before a storm is the greatest protection during a storm. Paul had spent enough time seeking and following God before the storm that he was clear to what God wanted to do with his life. He clung to the promise during the storm and actually had God affirm it. My relationship with God before a storm hits is critical. Human nature is to drift away from my dependency on Him when things are manageable, but this is a poor strategy for life.

Prayer:

Storms of life are strong. They are taxing, draining, aggravating and tormenting. I have often found that if they linger on long enough, my belief in You, my belief in myself, and my value for life can be tried, tested, and even destroyed.

As strong as storms of life may be, they are nothing compared to You. I ask that You allow me to fully grasp Your greatness and majesty. Elevate Yourself in my life to Your rightful place of prominence. Become a real and tangible force in my life. Teach me to walk after You in all that I think, do and say.

Father You do not promise an absence of storms in my life. Reality is that Your Word warns us they will come. What You do promise is that I can do all things through You. You promise I will never be tested beyond what I can bear. You promise I will never be crushed. You promise You will never leave me. You promise You will never forsake me. You promise nothing will ever hinder You from accomplishing Your purpose in my life.