Religion & Spirituality
THE PURPOSE OF STORMSYOUR STORM HAS A PURPOSEActs 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” In The Storm... Acts 27:20-26 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” 27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. I. To Take You Where God Wants You To Go Acts 28:1, 2 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? PURPOSE Until The Entire Of Your Life Purpose Is About Jesus, None Of Your Storms Will Make Sense. It Matters What You Call It! II. To Give You Favor You Don’t Deserve — “Favor ... Isn’t ... Fair” Acts 28:5,6,7 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. 7There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. Secret of God’s Favor… Remember: W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. Favor is Experiencing An Event Through God’s Eyes! HOW? 1. Obedience Through The Storm +++ 2. God’s Kingdom Purpose = DIVINE FAVOR III. To Show You What God Can Do Acts 28:8,9,10 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. Acts 28:28, 30, 31 "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" 30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. - TIMING - All you have to do is….. Wait Your Turn! - YOUR STORM IS YOUR KEY… IT HAS A PURPOSE!!! KINGDOM!! - BUT, GOD’s PURPOSE… SALVATION REDEMPTION…!