Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. It's a joy to be with you today as we gather in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We're here to engage with His word, to listen, to learn, and to love. We're here because we know that life can often feel like a tumultuous storm, but we also know that we have a Savior who stills the winds and calms the seas.

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages." It's a powerful reminder that even in our darkest hours, we can find solace in the steadfast love of God. It's a reminder that even when the storm rages, we can find peace in the shelter of His wings. It's a reminder that even when we're tossed by the tempest, we can find stability in the Savior.

Today, we'll be turning to the book of Acts, chapter 27, verses 14 to 17. The Word of God reads as follows:

"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. Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along."

This passage paints a vivid picture of a sudden storm, a desperate struggle, and a miraculous survival. It's a picture that many of us can relate to in our own lives. But it's also a picture that points us to the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Let us open our hearts in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word, for it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We thank you for the storms in our lives, for they remind us of our need for you. We thank you for the stability we find in our Savior, for He is our rock and our fortress. We ask that you would open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to understand the truths you have for us today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, dear friends, are we ready to embrace the storm, to find stability in the Savior, and to learn how to survive storms successfully? Let's turn to God's Word together.

Storms Surface Suddenly

In life, we often find ourselves suddenly caught in the midst of a storm. Just like the sailors in the book of Acts, we may be sailing along smoothly, when out of nowhere, a violent wind rushes down upon us. These storms can take many forms - a sudden illness, a job loss, a broken relationship, a deep disappointment. They can leave us feeling disoriented, overwhelmed, and fearful.

The sailors in our passage were experienced seamen: They knew how to handle a ship. They knew how to navigate the seas. But this storm was beyond their control. They couldn't face the wind. They couldn't steer the ship. All they could do was give way to it and let themselves be driven along.

This is often how we feel when we're caught in a storm: We feel helpless. We feel out of control. We feel like we're being driven along by forces beyond our power. We may try to fight against the wind, but it's too strong. We may try to steer our ship, but it's too wild. All we can do is hold on and hope for the best.

Even in the midst of the storm, the sailors didn't lose hope: They ran under the shelter of a small island. They hoisted up the ship's boat. They used supporting cables to undergird the ship. They let down the sea anchor. They did everything they could to survive the storm.

This is a powerful reminder for us: Even when we're caught in a storm, we can still take action. We can still do what we can to survive. We can seek shelter. We can use the resources at our disposal. We can anchor ourselves in hope. The sailors in our passage were driven along by the storm, but they were not destroyed by it. They were tossed by the tempest, but they were not overwhelmed by it. They faced a violent wind, but they were not defeated by it. They survived the storm.

This is the hope we have in Jesus Christ: Even when we're caught in a storm, we can survive. We can endure. We can overcome. Not because of our own strength, but because of His. Not because of our own power, but because of His. Not because of our own wisdom, but because of His.

Stability in the Savior

As we navigate through the tempestuous seas of life, it is our Savior, Jesus Christ, who provides the stability we need ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO