For a few weeks we’ve been considering the thought of when it’s not just another storm from the passage of Acts 27. Paul, on his journey to Rome, encountered a storm that wasn’t just another storm. Spiritually speaking there are times when the storms we face are greater than anything we’ve ever faced before. I could tell you of a young mother with two small children whose husband left her to raise them. I could tell you of a family who recently had a thirteen-year-old son, an only son, killed tragically in an accident. I could tell you of a young pastor who is terribly sick and has been in the hospital for weeks. Sometimes the storms that come are not just another storm.
We have looked at some things to keep in mind when it’s not just another storm. Keep in mind God’s perception of the storm, cling to God’s promises in spite of the storm, and recognize God’s presence in the midst of the storm. There’s one last thought.
We must keep in mind GOD’S PROTECTION THROUGH THE STORM.
Can I tell you why I know God will protect you through your storm? Notice what Paul said about himself in vs 23-whose I am. Because I’m His child. I’m His property. I’m one of His sheep and He is my Shepherd; I’m one of His children and He is my Father. Can I make it even sweeter than that? I’m His bride and He is my Bridegroom. I’m His and He is mine. You better believe He is going to take care of me. I guarantee you that if God would have allowed it and would have opened Paul’s eyes to see, there would have been angels all around that ship, keeping safe God’s servant through the storm. When the Syrian army had surrounded Elisha in 2 Kings 6, the servant of Elisha was frightened. Elisha asked the Lord to open his eyes that he might see, and when the Lord did that, he saw horses, and chariots of fire across the mountain round about Elisha. You may not be able to see all that is going on around you spiritually, but, if you are one of God’s children, He will protect you through the storms of life you face.
There is something else too—look at the words in vs 24-Fear not, Paul; thou must. (My emphasis.) They are words of purpose. They declare something to be exactly as described (it must be done). There is a heavenly “must” about all that involves our lives. There is a holy determination of the Father to do in us and through us all that He has planned for us. Philippians 1:6-Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. He has a plan for my and your life. That doesn’t mean that we always understand it. But He will keep me safe wherever I am that His plan for me will be fulfilled and then He will take me home. He will get you through whatever storm may come in order to fulfill His will in us. Corrie Ten Boom suffered under the Nazis in WW2. She once said, “When Jesus takes your hand, He keeps you tight. When Jesus keeps you tight, He leads you through your whole life. When Jesus leads you through your life, He brings you safely home.”
There are storms that come our way that are not just another storm. You may feel your vessel is going under today. Until the storm passes by, keep in mind God’s perception of your storm, He knows where you are and what you’re facing; cling to God’s promises in spite of your storm; recognize God’s presence in the midst of your storm; trust God’s protection through your storm. When the waves have settled down; when the winds have calmed down; when the rain has gone, and the clouds have moved off to the horizon; you’ll find that God was in control the whole time.
Mosie Lister wrote the song “Till the Storm Passes By” (1958). It says—
“In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry
Keep me safe till the storm passes by
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by
Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.”
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