Confidence During Crisis - Acts 27:15-25, 33-36

Once, when my family was in Los Angeles, California, a friend of some of the church people took us out in a small Coast Guard boat to the edge of the bay.  We really did not venture out into the ocean - and I am glad we did not!

The boat we were in was a little bigger than most motorboats, but it seemed really small out there on the water.  As we reached the edge of the bay, huge waves rocked us up and down.  I have been more than content to be a landlubber ever since!

Acts 27 relates a harrowing experience the apostle Paul had on the open sea.  Many of the experienced seamen on board with him despaired of life.  Yet through this terrifying adventure Paul remained calm and sure.  Why?  Paul’s faith in God gave him supreme confidence.

Big Idea: Faith in God enables us to navigate life’s storms safely.

1. Paul’s faith caused him to look ahead with godly wisdom, Acts 27:9-11.

In these verses Paul said, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage.”  Was this perception a special revelation of God or was it simply human intuition?

It could easily be either option.  Therefore I would suggest Paul came to this conclusion through human intuition informed by godly wisdom.

Discussion: Paul was just a prisoner in this situation.  He really did not have control over the decision.  What can we do in similar situations - when we perceive an action will end bad but we are not in a position of authority - to influence those who are in charge to make good decisions?

When we are making the decision we, of course, should do our best to discern God’s will.  Seeking to know God’s will may even delay the action we wish to take.

However, sometimes even after we spend considerable time in prayer God does not give us a special revelation or command.  A decision must finally be made.  In such situations where we must rely on human intuition, we should do so in the context of scriptural principles.

Discussion: Brainstorm such a scenario.  What does it mean to make a decision through human intuition in the context of scriptural principles?

Discussion:What are some scriptures we should consider when making life decisions?

2. Paul’s faith caused him to listen carefully for God’s assurance, Acts 27:20-26.

The centurion didn’t listen to Paul.  When the south wind blew gently, the ship set sail.  Soon they were caught by a terrible storm - the northeaster.  The crew used supports to undergird the ship.  They jettisoned the cargo.

But still the ship was driven by the storm for many days.  Most of the ship’s passengers and crew appear to have given up hope at this point.  Nobody seemed to have an appetite for food.

Then Paul stood up and addressed the group.  He had not given up hope.  Instead, he had been communing with God.  And God had given him a message to share with his comrades.  They would lose the ship, but not one life would be lost.  God had promised to save them from this nightmare.

Discussion: What are some ways people respond to trouble when they don’t look to God for help?

Discussion: Why is it so difficult, even for Christians sometimes, to hear God’s voice in the midst of life’s storms?

Discussion: What should we do to practice the art of listening for God’s voice?

Discussion:What are some scriptures you like to read for comfort and encouragement during times of trouble?

3. Paul’s faith enabled him to live confident of God’s providence, Acts 27:33-38.

Finally, the sailors sensed the ship was nearing land.  They took soundings and discovered this to be true.  But this happy thought was soon replaced by another worry.

What if the ship was dashed upon the rocks and torn to pieces?  The sailors schemed to escape the ship, but Paul foiled their plan.

Then Paul addressed the group, urging them to eat.  He reminded them of God’s promise.  Paul took some bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat.  Encouraged, the rest followed his example.

Discussion: It is easy for us to look back and say that they had nothing to worry about - that they would be saved.  Yet Paul was looking forward into an uncertain future.  What if Paul had had just a dream?  What if God’s promise was just his imagination?  Why was Paul so supremely confident?

Discussion: Can we also live as confident of our future as Paul did?

Discussion: What are some of the temptations Satan uses to undermine our confidence?

Discussion:Do you believe God that no matter what happens He will accomplish His will?  Why do you believe this?

Prayer: Let us ask God to strengthen our faith in Him as we go through our own “storms of life.”

Sing: My Anchor Holds