Keep Me Safe ‘Til the Storm Passes By

Introduction: Do you ever get afraid right before a BIG storm — tornado — or hurricane? How can we experience God’s peace while going through a storm? Luke, the physician and historian, records the scary account Paul faced as a prisoner, while on his way to Rome. Once a murderer and persecutor of ChristTians — here, he is a “man on a mission.” Consider five ways to “weather the storms of life.”

1) Refresh yourself by others before the storm! —”And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself” (Acts 27:3). The word “refresh” is epeemeliah, which means care, attention, needs. “Refresh” because of physical tiredness. “Refresh” because of mental and emotional tiredness. Could you use some refreshing? Go to Jesus.

2) Release the things out of your control into the Lord’s Hands! —”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” (Acts 27:10-11).

Paul had gained some valuable experience… he could say, “Been there, done that”! No doubt, he exercised wisdom and discernment to be able to foresee the danger. This was from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). Do you calculate the possible danger ahead of your decisions? Will you release the control into the care of our Lord and Savior?

3) Rejoice because Jesus Christ is in control of the storm! —”…fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship…And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them….. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship” (Acts 27:17-22).

The word “cheer” is yoothoomeho, which means good courage, be happy, be joyful. “Be of good cheer”— God is here! Do you have assurance of the presence of the Lord?

4) Remember to have faith in the God of the storms! —”For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:23-26). Fight your fear and feed your faith! Remember fear is …. false – evidence – appearing – real. What are you going through that you need to exercise trust in Jesus today?

5) Return thanks to the Lord because of His Faithfulness thru the storms! —”And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all..” (Acts 27:33-36). Thanksgiving equals thanksliving! Do you thank God even in the storms?

Conclusion: What kind of storm are you navigating through right now? Loss of electricity, tree damage, death of a loved one, a setback in a relationship, a financial bind, health problems, or just a big decision — all of these bring anxieties and insecurities. But as we trust Jesus as the Captain of our ship, He may not take us “from” the storm but has promised to be with us “through” the storm! Doesn’t that bring comfort and peace to your heart?

There are some very dangerous storm clouds forming on the horizon in the near future. the terrible tribulation, which will last seven long years (Revelation 6-18), will hit the earth with devastation and destruction after the rapture of the Church. Wars, pestilence, famines, inflation, cataclysmic catastrophes with the sun, moon, and the stars will be the result of this major storm.

While on earth, over one half of the earth’s population will die. Seven seals, trumpets, and vial judgments will be unleashed from the sovereign hand of a mighty God in the person of Jesus Christ (He holds the scroll found in Revelation 5). In biblical times, He came as a Savior; but very soon — He will be a judge and send his wrath upon the earth! Are you warning others?

This storm will climax when jesus christ returns (His second coming) at the battle of armageddon and wipes out the false prophet — the Antichrist, and his armies. After this terrible storm, Jesus Christ will rule and reign on His throne in Jerusalem for one thousand years, otherwise known as His kingdom. Then — one last storm will hit when Satan is loosed from the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:7). Ultimately, he too will be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever.

Hallelujah, for Jesus is the storm calmer, devil–defier, Giant–killer, Peace–giver, Chain–breaker, Way–maker! Do you know Him? Do you love Him? Are you serving Him?

Then, all who have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb will spend eternity in a place called the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22). No more pain, tears or sickness in heaven… and no more storms! The storm will be over!

Until then, remember — Jesus is our Shelter to see us through the storms of life. “Keep me safe until the storm passes by.”

May you and your family be safe and secure in Jesus Christ.

For more teaching like this and on the end times visit Until That Day at https://www.youtube.com/untilthatday. Until That Day is an outreach ministry of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church. Every day, more and more people are becoming aware of the significance of Bible prophecy. God’s Word is being fulfilled all around us. Learn to talk intelligently and spiritually with your loved ones about the things unfolding in our world today.