Acts 27
May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Acts 27
Read: Acts 27
God will use difficult situations to test our faith.
At Student Connect, we have been studying the book of Job. A couple of weeks ago we were talking about Job 1-2 and all that happened in Job’s life. The one idea that blew about every student’s mind (and I could see it in their facial expressions) was that God does not tempt us, but God does test us. He tests our faith to see what we really trust in. This is a hard concept to grasp sometimes, but it is true. And this is exactly what we see in Acts 27.
They were trying to make it to Rome but sailed during a very dangerous time (v. 9). Paul warns them about what could happen (v. 10), but they don’t listen and just continue sailing (v. 12). The storm became too strong and they had to start throwing out their supplies (v. 18-19). And verse 20 describes how many people feel when difficult times occur: all hope was gone.
These people were facing the biggest test of their life. They couldn’t change the weather, they couldn’t calm the waves, all hope was lost under their might. But here is the thing: If God will put you in it, He can help you through it.
Paul understood this and proclaimed it to everyone. God was going to deliver them (v. 21-26). Paul had faith that God would help them through their difficult situation. But Paul also knew that only God’s way would save everyone. The people in the ship were ready to get off of it (v. 30), but Paul explained there was no other way to be saved than through God’s way (v. 31). And they had to cut the lifeboats away (v. 31).
Often times in life, we look to the lifeboats for deliverance during difficult situations. We try to fix things under our own might. Instead, we should be looking to the one who is in control of all things. God is not surprised by the things happening in our life. He isn’t caught off guard. God might honestly be trying to use them to get our attention and draw us closer to Him.
James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
In difficult situations, where do you turn for help? Are you letting trials draw you away from God or bring you closer to Him?
By: Brice Stockton
At Student Connect, we have been studying the book of Job. A couple of weeks ago we were talking about Job 1-2 and all that happened in Job’s life. The one idea that blew about every student’s mind (and I could see it in their facial expressions) was that God does not tempt us, but God does test us. He tests our faith to see what we really trust in. This is a hard concept to grasp sometimes, but it is true. And this is exactly what we see in Acts 27.
They were trying to make it to Rome but sailed during a very dangerous time (v. 9). Paul warns them about what could happen (v. 10), but they don’t listen and just continue sailing (v. 12). The storm became too strong and they had to start throwing out their supplies (v. 18-19). And verse 20 describes how many people feel when difficult times occur: all hope was gone.
These people were facing the biggest test of their life. They couldn’t change the weather, they couldn’t calm the waves, all hope was lost under their might. But here is the thing: If God will put you in it, He can help you through it.
Paul understood this and proclaimed it to everyone. God was going to deliver them (v. 21-26). Paul had faith that God would help them through their difficult situation. But Paul also knew that only God’s way would save everyone. The people in the ship were ready to get off of it (v. 30), but Paul explained there was no other way to be saved than through God’s way (v. 31). And they had to cut the lifeboats away (v. 31).
Often times in life, we look to the lifeboats for deliverance during difficult situations. We try to fix things under our own might. Instead, we should be looking to the one who is in control of all things. God is not surprised by the things happening in our life. He isn’t caught off guard. God might honestly be trying to use them to get our attention and draw us closer to Him.
James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
In difficult situations, where do you turn for help? Are you letting trials draw you away from God or bring you closer to Him?
By: Brice Stockton
1 Comment
Blessing can often be a bigger curse than trials. In blessing, we can quickly become self-sufficient and prideful. In trials, we are forced to learn how weak and helpless we are and how infinitely sufficient God is. I pray that we all run to Jesus quickly when trials come.
Thank you Brice for the word today!