God Will Make It Happen
When all the baggage of a lifetime is left floating on the sea of life, standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus.
Paul was one of the greatest Christians that ever lived. Many people have literally given their lives for the mission of telling the world about Jesus Christ. When we became a Christian, we likewise have given our life for the great commission. We are called to be in servanthood to our Lord and Savior. We are crucified with Christ and are dead to our sins and alive in Him.
Paul identified himself as an apostle of Jesus. An apostle is one who is sent. Being called to spread the gospel, we are also apostles of Christ. Disciples are followers or students and apostles are sent to teach and share what has been given to them.
Paul met resistance many times. He even met resistance through the seasons. A violent storm almost prevented Paul from seeing a promise God had made to him come to fruition. God promised Paul he would have audience with Ceasar. He refused to let anything deter his faith in this promise.
I. The Storm had to Happen
When you don’t listen to godly counsel, a storm of some kind is bound to happen. Paul had warned them of disaster if they continued on the journey. To ignore the warning of a man of God and press forward in your own way is to set your course on a path that will take you to a catastrophic place of hurt and loss. God will make it happen regardless of those that will not follow Him.
Acts 27:13-14
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.
II. Violence of a Storm
Despair and lack of hope. Defeat and no strength or faith. The things that don’t really matter are not gonna make it through the storm, but you will! God will make it happen!
Acts 27:21-25
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
III. Repurposing a Storm
Sometimes it is not the devil that made me do it. I did it. It was my bad decision. It didn’t really have to happen, but since it did, let’s let God work something miraculous to save us from the destruction that satan intended. There are unnamed miracles in our future. God will make it happen!
Acts 27:26
Nevertheless, we must run around on some island.
There will come a time in your life when all the things cannot give you the peace you’re searching for. All the baggage of a lifetime is left floating on the sea of life, and you are washed up on the beach of reality, wondering how in the world did I get here. At that point, the only thing that matters is our soul, and standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus.