Sierra Vista Community Church
Turning Your Setbacks into Comebacks
Part 5
Acts 27:20-44 ESV
“We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19)
• Rely on the presence of God.
“For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing. Since many were going without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss. Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your lives, but only of the ship. For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me …” (Acts 27:20-23)
Remember: God is with you. He hasn’t left you!
• Hope in the purpose of God.
“... and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’” (Acts 27:24)
Remember: God’s purpose is greater than your setback or storm.
• Trust in the promise of God.
“Therefore, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” (Acts 27:25-26)
“Some sailors tried to escape from the ship; they had let down the skiff into the sea, pretending that they were going to put out anchors from the bow. Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut the ropes holding the skiff and let it drop away.” (Acts 27:30-32)
“Therefore I urge you to take some food. For this has to do with your survival, since none of you will lose a hair from your head.” After he said these things and had taken some bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all of them, and when he broke it, he began to eat. They all became encouraged and took food themselves.” (Acts 27:34-36)
“But the centurion kept them from carrying out their plan because he wanted to save Paul, so he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to follow, some on planks and some on debris from the ship. In this way, everyone safely reached the shore.” (Acts 27:43-44)
Remember: God’s promises can be trusted!