In the Midst of the Storm

Acts 27:13-15  (NIV)

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 

14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 

15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.

Storm Survival Strategies

1. Stay on the Ship.  

Get rid of your back up plan and be faithful to God.

Acts 27:29-31  (NIV)

29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow.31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

2. Be still and relax.  

Worry and panic won't make the storm to go away.  Rest.  Take a break.

  

Acts 27:33  (NIV)

33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything.

Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)

25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Acts 27:36  (NIV)

36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.

3. Praise God in the storm. 

Sometimes you have to praise God until you get a break through.  Don't let a storm to silence your praise. 

Acts 27:35  (NIV)

35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.

Psalm 42:11  (NIV)

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,

    my Savior and my God.

4. God can take us to our destination on the broken pieces.

  

Acts 27:41  (NIV)

41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.

Acts 27:43-44  (NIV)

43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 

44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

Don't focus on what you've lost that you lose sight on what you've still got. 

Get your eyes off what it was and get your eyes on what is is. 

Herbert Cooper, Guest Speaking at Church of the Highlands.

Video 

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/storm-survival-strategies