(We will consider selected text throughout the 27th and 28th chapters of Acts)
ABC will run the third season of their prime time drama of 48 plane crash survivors who find themselves marooned on a remote Pacific island. They don’t know where they are and worse yet, it seems no one else does either. They take what little they can salvage from the wreckage and band together just to survive.
The writers say, “This band of friends, family and strangers must work together against the cruel weather and harsh terrain if they want to stay alive.
To some of us that might sound like something we’d be interested in watching. To others, what I just described sound a bit too much like their life experience right now.
Whether you find yourself today a spectator or an unwilling, drafted cast member of some drama I want you to know a few things about being marooned; shipwrecked in a place you had never dreamed you’d be.
In Acts 27 we read the account of the Apostle Paul’s disrupted journey to Rome.
• Heading to Rome to appeal to Caesar for being unjustly accused and sentenced to death.
• They sailed against “contrary” winds. (1-4)
o Ever tried to walk into the wind?
o Riding bikes – with the wind, smooth – fast …..
o Ever had a situation in life, nothing you could see, nothing you could put your hand on, but it was a real struggle…… Contrary winds.
• The winds produced waves.
o Its one thing with people try to rock your boat, it’s totally another when your tossed by the waves.
“A Perfect Storm” taught me a few things about riding the waves.
• When the waves come, lighten you load. (v 18)
• Batten down the hatches
• Sail in to the wave
• Don’t allow yourself to be tossed.
James 1:2-6
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
• Paul and the other passengers quickly realized that waves can come from all directions. (v 13-14)
1. Sometimes you have to admit to you self where your trust lies.
• In the boat
• In your own ability to steer your life
• In the Master of the Seas. – Paul knew that trust in Christ would see him through.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the Lord!
2. God allows times of testing to show you (and everyone else) His strength.
a. You may find yourself in the furnace, but you’ll not get burned.
b. You may find yourself swallowed up, but God will give that big fish indigestion!
c. Like Paul, You may get snake bit, but just shake it in the fire! “God’s Got Your Back!”
Satan may remind you of the temperature….
But God’s got His hand on the Thermostat!
3. The tests are ALWAYS fixed.
a. If you’re in a time of testing remember – It was designed with you in mind. (That’s a reason to shout)
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
b. You might feel lost, but God knows the terrain!
i. Children’s Museum Maze
ii. God knows the way out, because He put it there!
c. God will make the way, but you have to do the walking
John Newton, the converted Ship Captain wrote…
“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home!”
4. Even your worst nightmare can turn out for the good.
Romans 8:28 – The same guy that found himself shipwrecked said
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Psalm 34:3-9
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.
Let’s pray
A note from Pastor Terry,
Thanks so much for looking over this message. I trust that, in some way, you were blessed, encouraged and empowered on your own walk with Christ. Every message I prepare is bathed in prayer that God will draw, inspire, and challenge my listeners (or readers) into a more meaningful and power-filled walk with Him.
Pastors, how we need one another! We need to be encouraged, strengthened and built up in order to encourage, strengthen and build up. It’s my personal prayer that the message you’ve just reviewed has done that for you in a personal way. Use what you can of this message, toss what you can’t and above all, let God’s Spirit inspire it all!
Sometimes I feel like Peter and John at the Temple steps…”Silver and gold; I don’t have but what I do – I give to you”
Grace and peace to you, your family and the Flock you tend.
Pastor Terry
