God in the Hurricane

He was a prisoner on his way to Rome aboard a ship, with about 270 other prisoners. Soon they found themselves in a middle of a ferocious hurricane which lasted about three weeks. The story is in Acts 27:13-44.

A hurricane is an exteme weather event on a far greater scale than a storm. Think of hurricane Katrina and the massive destruction it brought where over 1,500 were killed. Whether on land or at sea, their affect is devastating.

Have you ever been in a hurricane?

I'm using the word now as a metaphor. Examples of hurricanes are those devastating events we experience in life, such as the loss of a beloved spouse, a deep violation of trust, the pain and betrayal that can occur in divorce, the loss of a child, a chronic physical condition … and there are many others.

Hurricanes happen to us all.

We live in a fallen world and all of us experience 'super-storms.' When they hit, we can feel utter devastation  emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. This is what Paul also experienced on board that ship.  So great was the hurricane, that he, along with everyone else on the ship, lost all hope of surviving.

Luke 27:19 says “When neither sun or stars appeared for many days and the storm continued too rage, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”

Notice the plurality of Luke's language. He doesn't say "Everyone but Paul gave up hope of being saved"  but "we."  (Side-note here. Never put anyone on a spiritual pedestal. Paul himelf rejected the view that he'd  reached 'perfection' in this life when he said "Not that I have already obtained perfection, but I press on..." Philippians 3:14)

When all seemed lost, God in his mercy sent an angel to encourage Paul. The angel reminded him that God would keep his promise, and he would get to Rome. He also said everyone else on the ship would be saved. This incredible, divine encounter which is recorded in verse 23 changed EVERYTHING for Paul, taking him from a place of despair to bold faith in God. It's the pivotal verse in the entire chapter. Take a look what Paul says to the other men on the ship afterwards ...

Verse 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said ‘Do not be afraid Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it will happen jut as God said.”

Paul's transformation from despair to courage took place in three areas, and can be seen in just 9 words ... "the God whose I am and whom I serve." 

Are you in a big battle of some kind today? I hope these 3 keys help ...

KEY 1 - PAUL REMEMBERED WHO GOD WAS

“Last night an angel of God came …”

Through this divine encounter Paul was reminded of who God was, and that He was with him. When going through an extreme super-storm, we can forget that especially if the situation stretches on. The enemy whispers “Where is God? If he really loved you, would you be going through this? Where are the answers to prayer? What is God doing to help? Nothing!"

A.W. Tozer said “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.  So here's a question to ponder ... “What comes to your mind about God, when you’re in a hurricane?”

If you're like me, lies can creep in. And so when they do it's really important to reject them and remind ourselves of what is true. 

... God loves me

... God is with me

... God is faithful

... God is my ever-present help in times of trouble

... God is my provider ... healer ... restorer

... God is fighting for me

... God will never leave me

Paul was reminded again of ALL these truths about God when the angel turned up in the hurricane.

KEY 2 - PAUL REMEMBERED WHO HE WAS

“… the God whose I am”

Paul was saying ... "I know whose I am, I belong to God! He's my father and I'm His son!"

Our identity comes under attack when we are in a battle. Jesus said that the enemy is a liar who wants us to believe ... you’re a loser, a bad parent, a failure, not needed and the list goes on.  So when he attacks our identity, don't receive the lies. Reject them and declare who God says you are.

… I am God's child

… I am precious

… I am forgiven, worthy, redeemed

… I have access to every promise of God

… I am strong, because God lives in me

No matter what the cause of your hurricane is, it doesn’t change WHO you are. Your identity is not determined by anyone or anything else - it comes from God and it never changes. So in your worst superstorm, remember the truth of who you are  ... as Paul did.   Finally ...

KEY 3 - PAUL REMEMBERED HIS MISSION

He declared  “… the God whose I am and WHO I SERVE”

Paul was reminded that He served God and His time to do that wasn't over! God had made a promise to Paul that he would go to Rome and be a witness for Jesus there. (Acts 17). So Paul was declaring ... "Yes. The God who I serve keeps his promises. God told me I was going to Rome, so I am going to Rome! This superstorm is not the end. God never forgets his promises."

When we're in a battle, we can lose sight of what God has promised for our future. We forget our purpose, our dreams and our vision. This is such an attack from the enemy. He wants you to believe the lie that you have no future (and if that were true, you'd be in heaven already). So remind yourself of the prophetic words and promises over your life. Declare these truths instead of lies ...

... I have an important purpose

... I have a calling and a mission

... My service to God is not over

... I will stay faithful to what God has called me to do.

Perhaps Acts 27 is in the bible to encourage us all when we experience life's superstorms. I think so. If you're in one now, I know God will get you through it. He is close to you and even His name is 'Faithful and True" (Revelation 19:11). God made sure Paul did, and he will make sure you do too. So keep trusting him.  Also take hold of the 3 keys that Paul did. 

1. Remember who God is for you.(He loves you, he is faithful and close).

2. Remember who you are. (Your identity, you are his beloved child, nothing will ever change that.)

3. Remember your service to God is not over. (You have a mission on this earth).

REFLECTION

Take some time to read all of Acts Chapter 27.

Notice what Paul went through in the hurricane, then the shipwreck.

Remember that Jesus also suffered, so He cares very deeply about you as you go throuh difficult times.

Out of the above three steps I've mentioned, is there any you feel led to take? Spend some time with the Lord and He will show you, pour his love on you and encourage you.

Paul had an experience so devastating, that he thought he would die. But God ...