When You Are Stuck Series

Series: Action [#191]

WHEN YOU ARE STUCK

Acts 27:27-28:10

Introduction:

Yesterday, my Daughter-in-Law took us to Big Cheese Pizza in her SUV. I have not been in that vehicle since my Elk Hunt in December. It may seem odd that I would remember that; but that particular day was very memorable. On that day, I fell on a rocky portion of the mountain and fractured my tailbone. Later that day, our son Steven, got that same vehicle stuck in the mountains in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, while we were walking down the slick mountain, God sent a kind woman to rescue us and take us back to the cabin.

This morning, we are going to look at Paul and 275 others being stuck on an island named Malta. Paul gives us examples of what to do when we are stuck.

Acts 27:27-44

Ministering during…

1. Chaotic moments.

They had been pushed back and forth by the ocean for 2 weeks and finally it seemed that they had found land. They took readings and they dropped 4 anchors before they crashed into the rocks. They were praying for daylight. Some of the sailors tried to sneak off of the ship in the lifeboat; but Paul intervened and said that everyone would die if they did that.

How do you minister to others in chaotic situations?

* Remain calm.

While everyone else was trying to escape or had just given up, Paul encouraged them to stay on the ship and ride it out. When things seem out of control, be calm.

* Take care of basic needs.

No one had eaten for 2 weeks, and they needed to eat so they would have strength to get to shore. I have learned this lesson the hard way through the years- You need to take care of your physical needs like eating and sleeping. You need your strength to go through the challenges of each day.

* Trust in God’s promises.

The ship crashed into the sandbar and was broken into pieces. The soldiers were going to kill all the prisoners so that no one would escape; but the Centurion would not allow them to because he wanted to spare Paul’s life. In last week’s sermon, we saw that an angel of God told Paul that no one would die. Paul had a promise from God that they would all live.

Do not forget the many promises of God, especially in moments of chaos. God is a God of fulfilling promises.

Acts 28:1-10

Ministering during…

2. Calm moments.

Everyone made it safely to the shore on Malta. Paul not only showed us how to minister when things are chaotic; but he also showed us how to minister when things are safe and calm.

* Accept help.

The people there treated them very well. They made a fire for them to help warm them up. For some people, accepting help is difficult. Paul helped others all of the time; but at this moment, Paul needed the help of others. Do not rob others of the blessing of serving and helping others.

* Be a witness.

Paul was struck by a venomous viper and the people believed that he was getting what he deserved; but he did not die from the viper. They changed their minds from Paul be an evil person to believing that he was some god. Paul was a witness of the power of Jehovah God.

* Manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit.

I know that this a word that you do not hear in Baptist Churches too often; but it is the correct word. What are spiritual manifestations? A manifestation is the public display of emotion or feeling, or something theoretical made real. Manifestation's origins are in religion and spirituality because if something spiritual becomes real, it is said to be a manifestation.

Use the spiritual gifts that God has given you. Paul had the spiritual gift of healing; and allowed God to use him to heal every sick person on the island.

Conclusion:

We will see next week, that Paul and the other men would reach their destination. These islanders furnished them with everything they needed to finish their journey. When you are stuck, don’t stop- Keep allowing God to work in you and through you.