“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
I am shamelessly basing this devotional on my pastor’s sermon* this past Sunday. He knocks it out of the park every Sunday; honestly, I think every Sunday’s message is better than the one before. Many times, I have wanted to incorporate his message into a Chaplain’s Corner, but don’t want to be guilty of plagiarism. However, he started out this sermon saying that he hoped we would share the message. He might have meant share it on Facebook, but since he wasn’t specific, I’m taking the opportunity to share it with you, in abbreviated form, in this Chaplain’s Corner.
Pastor named his sermon, “Weather or not.” We have all faced storms, whether it be bad weather, sickness, financial problems, or unmet expectation. In these storms, we feel powerless, panic, and sometimes we make bad decisions which just make the storm worse. We might wonder why a God who is all-powerful would even send the storm, and there are a couple of possibilities:
- It could be our own doing, our own fault. Our choices sometimes put us at risk.
- It could be that God allowed the storm to strengthen our faith.
Regardless, we need never to let the presence of the storm cause us to doubt the presence of God.
Don’t walk in fear; God put us here!
Using Acts 27:14-40, Pastor helped us to see how God has demonstrated what we should do in the presence of a storm, regardless of the cause. Paul was on board a ship that got caught in a northeaster. They were in extreme difficulty, but took the following actions to weather the storm, which are also useful for us today:
- Brace Up: “After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship” (v.17).
The soldiers wrapped ropes around the ship to hold it together, to undergird it. Likewise, we should take steps to ensure we have the support we need. We need to be sure that we are not relying on the wrong things to brace ourselves. Money, education, etc. are all good things, but they are not what will ultimately hold us together like the Word of God, faith in our Lord and Savior, and our church family
2. Lighten Up: “Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo (v.18).”
The soldiers then began to throw overboard everything they didn’t absolutely need. What are we carrying around that we need to get rid of, to give to God? Sin? Unforgiveness of someone? Unforgiveness of ourselves? Anger? Fear? These become very heavy, and unnecessary, burdens.
3. Cheer Up: “Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship” (v.22).
Paul encouraged the soldiers with a promise from God. We know from His Word that God is still on the throne, He is in control. We need to remember the promises of God.
4. Anchor Down: “And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come” (v. 29).
Some of our anchors include:
a. Purpose: to be loved by God and to love God, and to tell others about Him.
b. Courage: to walk with boldness in the face of the storm, knowing that in the end we will win.
c. Worship: to turn off the news and turn on worship; to choose worship over whining.
d. Church: we all need a church family.
5. Cut the Ropes: “Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.’ Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s (life)boat and let it go” (v. 31-32).
We need to be all-in. Remove all alternatives to our faith in Christ. Pastor cited the example of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:21 where, when he received his call as a prophet, he stopped in his tracks and burned his plow and oxen so that he would have nothing to come back to, no Plan B. It was Plan A all the way.
I know this is getting old. I know you are tired and frustrated, and so are our guests and program participants. But remember, “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Anchor Down!!
In Christ,
Judy
*Credits to Pastor Spencer Barnard, Life Center Church (the sermon starts at 18:55).
judycline 
Cmon!!! I love that you shared this, Judy. You have my permission to use anything I ever say. You can’t plagiarize what God gives you. It’s his words, not mine:) I had a close pastor friend help me put some of this together.
Thank you, Spencer. I should tell you more often how much I get out of your preaching. I learn something every week that helps me. You are a gifted preacher and pastor. Thank you.