There are two kinds of storms in life; those we ask for and those we don’t. The Christian life is compared to traveling on the sea. Sometimes it’s calm and then again sometimes it’s stormy or full of problems. Whether we ask for them or not they still come. The storms we ask for because of our own foolishness we deserve, but what about those problems caused by others?
God’s Word tells of such storms brought about by others. Remember Jonah? A ship and its crew were almost destroyed because of one man’s disobedience. The apostle Paul experienced just the opposite; the captain and the crew was wrong, the ship destroyed and Paul suffered with them, even though he was right. Acts 27:9-11, “Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.” Paul would tell them I told you so later, but that is little comfort when you are lost at sea and almost dead. Saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t seem to make it when someone accidentally burns your house down. Maybe a doctor has prescribed a wrong medicine which caused a death in your family. How do we handle storms caused by others? The answer is found in Paul’s life in the storm. His ship was wrecked, not his life. When we are in storms of this nature, we will have to cast out four anchors and ride the storm out.
The first anchor is the anchor of God’s Presence. God comes to us and is closer to us in the storms of life. Acts 27:23, “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.” While in your storm, it seems you will go under the waves. But the Master of the sea comes walking on the water just in the time we need Him the most. Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us and in the storms, He send us a visitor in the night.
The second anchor is the anchor of God’s Providence. Nothing can happen to me that hasn’t already crossed God’s desk first. He knows and has ordered the steps that I must take. Acts 27:24, “Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all of them that sail with thee.” We are all on this planet for a reason and until our time is up, we are safe and secure in God’s will for our life. Paul must go see Caesar, storm or no storm. Rest in God’s Providence because there are no accidents with God.
The third anchor is the anchor of God’s Promise. Our future is as bright as the promises of God. Acts 27:25, “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” It’s easy to believe God in the good times, but when the clouds of doubt haunt us it calls for added faith. Just remember God cannot lie. If He said it, that settles it.
The last anchor is the anchor of God’s Power. The storms of life may break us and leave us without material wealth, but the experiences and lessons learned will be priceless. Acts 27:44, “And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came
to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.” Paul had a peace and calm in the midst of the storm, because he cast the anchors of God’s Presence, Providence, Promise, and Power. Sometimes we are called upon to go through the storm just to be an example of God’s grace in our lives.
Some you ask for and some you don’t.
Anchor Baptist Church
456 Jamison Rd.
Washington Court House, OH 43106
Anchorbaptistministries.com (740)333-7777
