December 19th, 2018

                  Storms of Life (Acts 27) 
 
Todays devotion is an excerpt taken from the Leadership page from our website. If you would like to read this lesson in its entirety, please open the Leadership link.
 
Acts 27 speaks of a great storm that occurred at sea, causing Paul’s fourth shipwreck, while he was on his way to Rome. Although the ship was damaged beyond repair, thankfully, no one on board lost his life. The Lord knows where we are and what we go through! Amid a great and long storm there was on the ship the man of God who had a word from God. Christian’s should give words of hope and encouragement in times of darkness and trials! We know the Lord Jesus and the forgiveness of sins and we have been given the Word of God and we are the light of the world! Paul was letting his light shine on the ship in the dark and difficult days.
 
Paul gives an address to the crew—he begins to preach and exhort the people. Obviously, they should have listened to Paul warning. In such a critical hour of need Paul had a word from the Lord, but the people resisted his warning. Much of the world’s problems today are because people will not listen. Many will listen and receive the advice from the philosopher, the psychologist, and the professor, but reject men like Paul. Because the crew was stubborn and prideful, they would not listen to Paul and the result was that they experienced disaster and loss. It pays to pay attention to men of God with a Word from God!
 
You may be in the midst of a difficult storm right now. Your life may be headed in a direction contrary to God's will, but if you belong to Him hope remains. The children of God are going to make it home. Storms will come our way, but we are secure in Jesus; therefore, believe God and trust in Him. He is greater than any storm we may face. He can either calm the storm or calm us in the midst of the storm. If we could see Him as He is, we would find peace and refuge.
 
Is Jesus at the helm of your vessel? Are you following His direction or have you chosen to chart your own course? Going contrary to the will of God is never a good decision. The Lord stands ready to restore you, but you must seek Him. If you are going your own way, things will soon get out of hand if they haven't already. If you are not part of the family of God, you are charting your own course. As of yet you have failed to admit your need for the Lord or His guidance in your life. He stands ready to save and direct your life as well. Come to the Lord and receive the peace that only He can give.
 
Questions to Consider:
Trials can make us either better or bitter.
What makes the difference?
Is it a sin to be discouraged? Why/why not?
It is easy in a trial to feel angry toward God.
Is this ever permissible? If so, how?
If not, how do we deal with it?
Sometimes our attempts to encourage someone fail. How can we offer genuine encouragement in Christ?
Are there things that we should avoid saying or doing at such times? 

Prayer: Lord, as we sail through life's storms, may Your presence and rule in our lives preserve our trust in You. May we not allow the winds and waves to draw us aside from serving You faithfully, wholeheartedly, courageously. When we must decide whether to believe circumstances or the Sovereign Lord, may we again and again choose to trust in You. May others see You in us and come to know You too. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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