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The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside DownSample

The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside Down

DAY 27 OF 28

Today’s Devotional:

“Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

As I write, my husband is three weeks out from a cycling accident that has left him with severe injuries requiring in-home care and therapy. As devastating as this has been, we understand it could have been so much worse. Regardless of that fact, this has been enough to turn our world upside down for a spell.

The truth is, after almost 34 years of marriage and life together, this isn’t our first rodeo. Menacing storms have found us throughout every season and stage of life. You name it; we’ve probably experienced it. When you’re in the storm, it can be terrifying and exhausting, and it’s tempting to lose hope that life will ever be good again. Some of you may nod as you read this—you’ve been there, too.

In Acts 27, Luke tells of his own story of surviving a deadly storm while accompanying his imprisoned friend, Paul, across the Mediterranean to his trial in Rome. Every time I read this passage of Scripture, I can’t help but notice several parallels between their journey across the sea and the journey of life. For one, “difficult” is used repeatedly to describe their experience—all before the first headwind! But once the stormy gale lets loose on them, time and days bleed into each other, and darkness overtakes them, leading to despair and sweeping fear.

Here’s what I know: Life’s going to be difficult. Jesus told us in John 16:33 that “In the world, you will have trouble.” We can expect storms to last longer than they should, get worse before they get better, and the darkness will keep trying to push out the light. But that’s not the end of our story! The second half of that verse in John says to “take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Paul’s words to the crew in the middle of an actual typhoon illustrate three measures we can take to help us trust God through the corresponding storms of life.

1. Look for Messengers

God never leaves us alone. He always finds a way to encourage His children. I’ve found this to be true time and time again, especially in our most recent predicament. Paul says in verse 23, “For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship…”.

I love this because it reminds me that even in the middle of our darkest hour, we aren’t abandoned. God may or may not send an angel as He did for Paul, but one thing is for sure—we can always trust His Holy Spirit and His people to show up! We just need to be looking for them.

2. Let Go of Fear

It’s okay to be afraid—even Paul was afraid. Just don’t stay afraid. The angel told Paul, “Do not be afraid, you will make it and so will everyone with you.” We can trust that God’s watchful eye and active care will be present even in our times of trouble, freeing us from fear.

3. Lean on God's Promises

“...take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

God can do all things—but there’s one thing He can’t do, and that is to break His promises. His word, the Bible, is full of promises we can cling to, like John 16:33 and others…

Psalm 33:18 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.”

Psalm 10:17 “O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.”

Psalm 4:8 “In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

There’s no way to avoid storms in this life, but you can be ready for them. If you’re prepared when the storm comes, you will not only survive, but you’ll be a living testimony to God’s loving provision and protection. Ask me how I know!

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Bethany Kush.

Questions to Consider:

  • Which measures can you start taking to prepare for the storms that may come your way?
  • What are some of your favorite promises from Scripture?

Prayer:

God, help me to look for messengers, let go of fear, and lean on your promises. Help me to be ready for any storm that comes my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture

Day 26Day 28

About this Plan

The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside Down

In this 28-day devotional, you'll journey through the Book of Acts to get a first-hand look at how the Church changed the world—and how it can change your world, too.

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We would like to thank Christ Fellowship Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://christfellowship.church