WSR REPORT: STORMS RAGE

Good Morning Friends

I pray your weekend is off to a good start

I know these are challenging times,

However, it is so important to reign in our focus and fix our eyes on any positives

‘Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Therefore –

In an effort to do a small part in encouraging you my friends, over the next few weeks,

I will be sharing excerpts from my book ‘When Storms Rage’

I will be contextualizing those excerpts to focus directly on the current storm facing our nation and the globe.

This is not a marketing ploy – I receive nothing from sharing free excerpts from my book

Rather – I know that there are beneficial principles found in the Word of God,

                Principles which have helped me throughout my life,

                Principles which continue to help me through this current storm

In an attempt to encourage as many as possible,

these posts will also be shared on my WordPress site, ‘Fuerza’

Today – in our When Storms Rage [WSR] Report, we acknowledge, STORMS RAGE

However – even as the storms rage outwardly, they do not have to destroy us inwardly

Today – my prayer is that you would be encouraged in your soul,

That you would be kept safe from harm,

That you would be strengthened in your spirit.

God has supplied, in His Word, direction and instruction for us all –

He has supplied words of encouragement and hope to keep us through every storm

Despite what we are seeing – nationally and globally – there is hope

It is not a false hope – it is a real hope, a living hope

Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Strength, our Protection & Provision, our Living Hope

Even as I write this post –

I am sick with an upper respiratory infection, awaiting COVID-19 results

And, while I pray that the test comes back negative, I am prepared whatever the result

I am confident – no matter the storm

I know in Whom I have believed – I am confident in the One who I trust             

My trust and my hope is in the LORD God Almighty –

There is no better preparation than that ….

Be encouraged my friends –

Have a Blessed Day & Stay Safe

at my end ... in the end

‘We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself’.

II Corinthians 1:8

In this text, Paul is writing to the church at Corinth and communicating the challenges that he faced and the impact it had on him.

 

This morning, I can fully relate to how Paul might have been feeling. Mine is not one of religious persecution however. Mine is an issue of life in general and what you do when multiple storms are raging at one time.  While, intellectually, we may know what we need to do – emotionally, we can become overwhelmed with the task of actually doing it.

Last week – on Thursday, July 4^th – I was visiting with my mom when she had a stroke. I am so thankful that my oldest son was there with me. Subsequently, we found out that she has had no less than four strokes in the past week. Currently, she is still hospitalized and it has been completely overwhelming. It is so difficult to see your loved one with diminished capacity and struggling through challenges. Add to that concerns with quality of care, family relationships, my college classes, managing my household, job responsibilities and my own health concerns – and I feel that I have reached that place which Paul wrote of, the place of being under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure.

Recognizing that I am completely at the end of my strength, my prayers have been condensed to: Father, give me strength … PLEASE!

Paul went on to state that he had felt that they had ‘received the sentence of death’. However, his faith remained strong as he declared, ‘But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.'  II Cor. 1:9-11

Today – I am requesting that you help me by your prayers.

There are days when encouragers need encouragement.

Yet I do know and hold onto the truth that ...

My current situations and circumstances do NOT change His character.

When I am at my end ... in the end ... He is still faithful, constant and true:

 

‘Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.’  Ephesians 3:20-21

‘No Storm Lasts Forever – Every Storm Must End’

Turn it Around ....

It is a little chilly this evening but I cannot complain since it has been about 70-degrees for the past couple of days.

Yesterday morning was drizzly. Then, about nine or ten o'clock it was raining and got so dark outside - it was like night. It looked like a major storm was rolling in. However, by about 2pm, the rain had stopped, the clouds were gone and the sun was shining bright. And just before I left for the day, my co-worker handed me a note which read:

'As this day the sun has broken thru, so also may the Son break thru and lift the clouds of your discouragement.'

It was beautiful ....

And I woke up this morning with this song on my heart .... Turn it Around!

'He turns a wilderness into a pool of water and a dry ground into water springs' Ps. 107:35

it's raining ...

Feeling energized – it’s raining in Virginia Beach and I don’t mind one little bit; just the natural preceding the spiritual. LET IT RAIN!

behold, angels come!

No matter what storm has raged this past year,

Despite any challenge that presently confronts,

The Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresent One

Is with you

He cannot ‘not’ be at your side

He is everywhere

Testing and trials are but for a time

Our Savior has gone before us,

Enduring tremendous trying storms

Yet there was a day when it ceased

'Then the devil left Him,

And behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.'

Matthew 4:11

The Message Version

states

'The test was over.

The Devil left.

And in his place, angels!

Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs.'

Likewise, God has appointed angels

to care for your every need

And as surely as aide was sent to our Savior,

He sends strength our way

To bless us after the storm –

to keep us in the midst of the storm.

I saw this poem today and had to share -

May it speak to your spirit and bring refreshing hope

THE EYE OF THE STORM

 from Streams in the Desert

"Fear not that the whirlwind shall carry thee hence,

Nor wait for its onslaught in breathless suspense,

Nor shrink from the whips of the terrible hail,

But pass through the edge to the heart of the gale,

For there is a shelter, sunlighted and warm,

And Faith sees her God

through the eye of the storm.

"The passionate tempest with rush and wild roar

And threatenings of evil may beat on the shore,

The waves may be mountains, the fields battle plains,

And the earth be immersed in a deluge of rains,

Yet, the soul, stayed on God,

may sing bravely its psalm,

For the heart of the storm is the center of calm.

"Let hope be not quenched in the blackness of night,

Though the cyclone awhile may have blotted the light,

For behind the great darkness the stars ever shine,

And the light of God's heavens, His love shall make thine,

Let no gloom dim thine eyes, but uplift them on high

To the face of thy God and the blue of His sky.

"The storm is thy shelter from danger and sin,

And God Himself takes thee for safety within;

The tempest with Him passeth into deep calm,

And the roar of the winds is the sound of a psalm.

Be glad and serene when the tempest clouds form;

God smiles on His child in the eye of the Storm”

Recession Proof: Still Standing

“A long time passed. Then GOD's word came to Elijah. The drought [recession] was now in its third year. The message: "… I'm about to make it rain on the country." I Kings 18:1 MSG

October 12, 2010 marked the three-year anniversary of my position elimination. This event, coupled with the economic adversity/recession present in the world right now has caused the story of Elijah to take on an entirely new meaning to me. It has become an intimate, personal account and not just another Bible story. It is easy for me to insert myself right into the middle of this narrative and imagine what the Old Testament headlines of my story would read.

Single-mother is still standing in the midst of troubling economic times!
Nee D. Facts
Zarephath Examiner

Unemployment rates stay at record highs and one in every 371 families received a foreclosure notice last month, with many actually being displaced from their homes. These are some of the most challenging times our nation has seen and many are wondering how they will make it through.

Last month I reported on my interview with Zenobia Wise, a single-mother of three who has miraculously endured three years of unemployment during the worst economic-drought our nation has seen in some time. Due to overwhelming response from our readers, I am following up with her today to gain additional perspective and to see what has transpired since our last discussion. Here is what she had to say:

Nee D. Facts (NF): Thank you for meeting with me again to discuss your unique circumstances during this recession, during times of economic, social and atmospheric challenges in the world.
Zenobia Wise (ZW): Oh, you are very welcome. It’s my pleasure. These have been tough times around the world – wars and rumors of wars, domestic violence, financial instability and even the weather has proven unpredictable and volatile in many places. There are stormy weather situations which seem to echo the groans of the people of the earth.

NF: We had quite a response from our readers as a result of our first interview ‘Recession Proof’ which printed on September 9, 2010. How have things been going?
ZW: Well, I am still standing! It has been challenging but I still have a tremendous amount of joy and peace.

NF: I understand that there was a situation, um, development with your home since our last interview…
ZW: Yes. Ironically, the day the interview printed - where I talked about God keeping us in our home these three years - I received notice that my home was in the paper and scheduled to be sold at auction on September 22nd.

NF: I’m sorry to hear that. I guess the idea that anyone’s life can be recession proof is just not possible in this environment.
ZW: With all due respect, Nee, I would have to disagree.

NF: How so? Aren’t you experiencing the same plight as many of our readers – even the same as many who do not believe in your recession-proof God?
ZW: I do face similar challenges and, in some cases, the same troubling circumstances. After all, rains and the storms that bring them do not discriminate – they fall on everyone equally. However, there is a marked difference in how one goes through a situation – how I am going through.

NF: Could you explain?
ZW: Well, there is the person who goes through situations, financial or otherwise, who cannot sleep, who drinks to numb the pain and who compromises their values to secure their place in life. Then there is the person who has a peace which passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). In the midst of a thousand storms raging in their life, they have been stilled internally. They understand that God is their source, their provider and protector and they know that their favor comes from Him.

NF: But some would say that favor has not come your way. Laid off in October 2007 – I understand that you are still without work and by your own admission you have lost your home.
ZW: It is true that I have not found permanent full-time employment. However, I have not lost my home.

NF: But you said that it was scheduled to be sold at auction on September 22nd.
ZW: It was. And the twenty-second came and went with no word regarding whether it actually sold on that date. Then a freeze was placed on all foreclosures two weeks after my scheduled sale date.

NF: That’s too bad – if only it had been a few weeks earlier?
ZW: Well, I just spoke with someone regarding my home last week and they advised that the process is on hold. So I count it as a blessing. God is still supplying and truthfully, keeping the house or losing the house is not the primary issue right now – trusting God unconditionally is the real victory!

NF: Like I said during our last interview, ‘Seems an uncertain way to live.’
ZW: Like I said during our last interview, 'Life is uncertain. But one thing is sure and it is the faithfulness of God. When things get really scary … I hear this inner voice which says, ‘Trust Me!’ That voice, and my coming into agreement with that command, has given me more peace than I’ve ever had.’ Those who trust in the Lord will not be disappointed.

NF: What has been most difficult?
ZW: There are so many things that are equally difficult. But I think one of the biggest has been my name being ruined – my integrity being tainted.

NF: How so?
ZW: Well, when I make a promise to a person or company, my intent is to keep my word. It bothers me that I have not been able to pay my financial obligations timely. I do not think it is a good Christian witness. I find it extremely troubling, especially since I was on track to becoming completely debt-free prior to my layoff. I gave tithes and offerings (and continue to); when I got raises, I did not increase my standard of living; and if we couldn’t pay cash, we wouldn’t buy it – clothes, vacations, even the car I bought for my mom.
NF: That is sad.

ZW: Then there is the impact on family relations. Financial struggles can really test the strength of a relationship. Me, my kids and my mom all live here. And there really has to be a conscious decision made that we are all going to come out of this situation one day and we will all come out TOGETHER. You have to abandon feelings during times like this and operate off of commitment.

NF: So, there’s the impact to family and reputation - anything else?
ZW: There is the struggle of maintaining your identity. Most people cannot identify with being rejected for years – three years and countless job applications – it takes a toll especially when you look at the needs of your family and know that you are responsible.

ZW: Everyone has an opinion, ‘If I were you, I would …’

If we only had the same level of clarity to solve our own problems that we seem to possess in addressing everyone else’s issues - this would be an ideal world. ‘Change this, try that, go on welfare, get some food stamps, lie on your application and say you made less than you actually did at your last job, dumb yourself down for interviews.' It is amazing some of the feedback I have received.

It is so important to make sure you are receiving godly counsel and to reject those things that do not align with the Word of God. And even with the morally acceptable feedback, you have to be careful. Something might work for someone else – and it might not be ungodly – but it is not the right thing for you. You really have to talk to God and read His Word. He promises to direct our steps and lead us in paths that are good. (Prov. 16:9 & Ps. 23:3)

NF: What are the best things that have happened - either in the past three years or since we last spoke?
ZW: My faith is increasing. It is getting stronger every day. And I am getting a lot of activity on my blogs ‘Christianblog’and 'zenobiawise.blogspot.com' On one of the blogs, we’ve got readers in twenty-two countries outside of the United States.

NF: You say ‘we’. Have you partnered with someone?
ZW: Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and the community of readers. They are why I write.

NF: Anything else?
ZW: Miracles are still happening. I was praying about groceries one Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago and I told God, ‘I don’t know how I am going to buy groceries this week, but I trust You.’ Then I went to church and ended up staying for both services. Well, at the end of that second service, someone walked past me and dropped $300 in my lap. They said that God spoke to them and told them to give it to me.

God’s Word is true. He says, 'I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!' Isaiah 65:24 NLT While I was praying about my situation, God was already talking to someone else about the solution. We just need to leave it in His hands and let Him handle things. Not to say that we are to be inactive – we actively do EVERYTHING we know to do – and then we leave the results to God. He is faithful!

NF: Amazing!
ZW: I know, huh!?! It was great, especially considering that God had put it on my heart to give a gift to someone else. Once I received that money, I returned the tithe, paid some bills, gave the financial gift that was on my heart and got food for my family.

God has also opened a door for me to talk with a publisher next month about my book.

NF: What is the title again?
ZW: When Storms Rage – 21 Principles to Keep You Anchored Through Life’s Toughest Moments

NF: What principles have been most important to you?
ZW: Well, they are all important – but if I had to pick: Expect Great Things, Keep Moving and Remember the Lord.

I can live without friends. I can live without finances. I can even live without a house if absolutely necessary.

But, I cannot live without hope. And, my hope is in Christ - it is in my faith and my relationship with Him. That hope keeps me moving - it keeps me believing and it keeps me worshipping God no matter what happens. And remembering God gives me peace and comfort and grace to do all things. My relationship with Him is everything to me.

NF: Last words of encouragement?
ZW: It has been said, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words.’ Well, in God’s kingdom, one word from Him can invoke a thousand images of the future He has prepared for you. And there will be times when you have to stand upon that word you heard from the Lord. But you must understand that it will not be easy. Others, though well intentioned, may discourage you. Because they have not heard what you heard God say to you, they may not be able to see what you see.

Keep moving. Keep walking by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5:7). Though the vision may take a while to manifest, wait for it. It will not be late. It will come in God’s perfect timing. (Hab. 2:3) Keep trusting. He who promised is faithful. And, 'I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us (Rom. 8:38-39 MSG).’ Ephesians 6:13 in the Amplified tells us, ‘… stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].’ Keep right on standing!

NF: Thank you again for talking to us today.
ZW: Thank you and God Bless!

recession proof...

‘Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then GOD spoke to him: "Get up and go to Zarephath … I've instructed a woman who lives there … to feed you. So he got up and went … [And] As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow …. Elijah said to her, "Don't worry about a thing… And it turned out as he said—daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't become empty: GOD's promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it! I Kings 17:8-16 MSG

Many are familiar with the story of Elijah and the widow. Elijah spoke and commanded a drought in the land and the people were in great need for many years.

Yet, “A long time passed. Then GOD's word came to Elijah. The drought was now in its third year. The message: "Go and present yourself … I'm about to make it rain on the country." (I Kings 18:1 MSG)

As I near the three-year anniversary of my position elimination, coupled with the economic adversity present in the United States right now – this story has taken on an entirely new meaning to me. It has become an intimate, personal account and not just another Bible story. It is easy for me to insert myself right into the middle of this narrative and imagine what the Old Testament headlines would have read if it was my story:

SINGLE-MOTHER MYSTERIOUSLY SURVIVES THE WORST ECONOMIC TIMES EVER!
Nee D. Facts
Zarephath Examiner

Unemployment rates stay at record highs, one in every 400 families received a foreclosure notice last month and many more actually lost their homes. These are some of the most challenging times our nation has seen and many are wondering how they will make it through.

Today I will share highlights of just one story from the countless number of individuals who have been impacted by current events. Recently, I interviewed Zenobia Wise, a single-mother of three who has miraculously endured three years of unemployment during the worst economic-drought our nation has seen in some time. Here’s what she had to say:

Nee D. Facts (NF): Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. As you know, our country is experiencing one of the worst times (economically, socially and atmospherically) that it has ever experienced. Many are concerned and have questions on how to make it through these tough times.
Zenobia Wise (ZW): Yes, it has been a challenging time for many. I’ve had close friends and family who have been impacted by the events.

NF: I understand that you have also experienced your own personal trials.
ZW: Yes, it has been tough but God has been faithful! I really can’t attribute the good things that have happened to anyone or anything else.

NF: Would you be willing to share some of the details with our readers?
ZW: Of course! Afterall the Word does say that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11)

NF: So what is your testimony?
ZW: Well, I had some personal challenges that I’d been experiencing for some years: death of a marriage, financial challenges and the everyday complexities of being a single-mother of three sons. However, things really took a turn starting in November 2005. I had just come off of a 40-day fast (my second that year) and immediately I was thrust into a storm which really hasn’t stopped blowing to this day.

NF: So you’ve been experiencing challenges of one sort or another for five years?
ZW: Yes. It started with extreme illness in ’05 and carried over into the next couple of years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a thickened heart wall, a blood disorder which caused significant anemia; I had to have a skin biopsy, was diagnosed with an incurable virus and was undergoing evaluations for symptoms which appeared to point toward Lupus. This was coupled with challenges on the job that were taking place at the same time.

NF: That seems challenging enough but, wasn’t all that prior to our current economic troubles?
ZW: Yes it was but I think it is important for people to understand that it is not just what is happening in our economy today that is causing trouble for people but, there were situations leading up to it which compounds what people are currently experiencing.

For me, the most significant change came in August 2007. You see, a prophet came to our town and spoke a word to me. I was so excited because it addressed many of the troubles I had been facing and he went on to tell me that, ‘my world would look completely different by the end of the year than it did at that moment.’

NF: Wow! That does sound exciting. What happened next?
ZW: Well, everything went crazy. My work issues intensified, my health issues kept flaring up and eventually I received notice (September ’07) that my position (along with several others) was being eliminated.

NF: That must have been very difficult. What did you think of that prophet then?
ZW: Well, there was only one thing I could think … boy did he call that one right! I realized that a prophecy doesn’t always mean what you think it means. But I believe the LORD and His prophets just like the Bible tells me to in II Chronicles 20:20.

NF: Now you’ve told us what the prophet said, but what did the LORD say?
ZW: Well, the prophet spoke what the LORD had instructed him to tell me. But the LORD spoke to me directly as well. He told me I would be losing my job before the announcement ever came from the company. He advised me not to take the alternate position they were going to offer (although they told me I could keep my base salary) and He told me to trust Him – that I would see His faithfulness. He also had me to start giving away thousands of dollars.

NF: That would seem an imprudent thing for single-mom to do. We had a widow in Zarephath who had a prophet visit her, telling her that God wanted her to give an offering. But, that questionable judgment aside, I have to ask, ‘Have you seen His faithfulness?
ZW: Have I ever! He has kept me and my children sheltered (in our own home), well fed, in health and growing in faith. It has been amazing – challenging but amazing! And, as an aside, it has been my experience that God is never trying to take from you when He asks you to give - it is usually to position you to receive something greater.

NF: That is amazing. Now you say He has kept you in your home? How is that possible since you have not worked during these challenging times?
ZW: I can’t explain it really. Only His favor and grace have kept us. I have two mortgages on this house but He has kept us right here – while many have unfortunately lost their homes. My heart breaks for them and I think I am particularly sensitive because, by all natural standards, that should be me.

NF: Why do you think it hasn’t happened to you?
ZW: I can’t say. All I know is that I do not serve a natural God – I serve a supernatural God and it has been an entirely supernatural situation. However, I would be lying if I said it was not particularly troubling to me when I see people who serve the same God I serve and I see their trials unfold before me in a different way than mine have. But, God is sovereign and He has a different and unique plan for each person.

NF: So you lost your job in 2007? What other challenges have you faced besides the financial concerns?
ZW: Well, with my health issues that I had, I was very concerned about not having insurance for myself. But, I was even more concerned about not having insurance for my kids. However, just before I was told my position would be eliminated, their dad called and said that it did not make sense for me to be paying for insurance for the boys when he had coverage through the military. He asked me to put them on his insurance – which was good because we’ve had some serious situations with the kids in the past three years – a major burn, a dangerous skin issue and severe scoliosis to name a few.

NF: Well that was a lucky break … the insurance, I mean, not the illnesses.
ZW: I don’t believe in luck. I know it was the hand of God working all things together for my good just like He promised in Romans 8:28.

NF: OK, so the kids were taken care of but what about you? You said you had all those health issues – how have you paid for the medical expenses without a job – or is the government paying for your care?
ZW: Thankfully, I haven’t had to go to the doctor once (even though I was seeing a couple of specialist each month before my job ended). Thank God He has brought healing to my body and kept me in health these years that I have been without insurance.

NF: So what have you been doing for three years?
ZW: Even though I have not had a job, I have been working. I couldn’t name everything but, I did start a bible-based support group for single-moms which I facilitated for two years; wrote a book which I believe will soon be published; of course I have been looking for work (and could not recall the vast number of applications I have submitted) and I started a blog which I use to provide words of encouragement and hope to those who might find themselves in situations similar to mine.

NF: And what would the primary message of encouragement be?
ZW: There is a God who is recession proof and a faith in Him that will not disappoint.

NF: Some would say, ‘that is too simple … it can’t be that simple.’
ZW: Well, I never said it was simple. These three years have been extremely challenging. There’s no greater pain than when you have to decide which of your children will get lunch money for the day and which will have to wait until they get home to eat. There were days when we sat in the dark, and it wasn’t because of a power outage. There were days when the cupboard was empty and I didn’t know where the next meal was coming from. But then God would send someone by with a gift card or some groceries. One time, when I committed to doing a vegetable-only fast, someone actually showed up with the specific foods I needed for the fast.

NF: Sounds like a very uncertain way to live.
ZW: Life is uncertain. But one thing is sure and it is the faithfulness of God. When things get really scary … I hear this inner voice which says, ‘Trust Me!’ That voice, and my coming into agreement with that command, has given me more peace than I’ve ever had.

NF: And how are your children holding up?
ZW: It has been difficult but we are all learning and growing. And they have seen God work in miraculous ways in their lives.

NF: You said you wrote a book?
ZW: Yes, it is titled ‘When Storms Rage – 21 Principles to Keep You Anchored Through Life’s Toughest Moments’

NF: I guess you know something about that?
ZW: Well, I just did what God asked me to do in writing the book. I simply shared from Bible examples and my own personal experiences. My prayer is that it will bless many people.

NF: What final thoughts would you like to leave with our readers?
ZW: There is hope. With man, situations may seem impossible – and may in fact be impossible – but, with GOD, ALL things are possible(Mt. 19:26). God promises that He will do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think, according to the power at work in us (Eph. 3:20). Well that power that is at work in the life of a Christian is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. There is hope in that. Because, if that power can raise the physically dead – it can certainly raise dying and dead finances, marriages, relationships and health concerns.

NF: Well thank you so much for meeting with us. Hopefully we can check back in with you in a few months to see how things are going.
ZW: Absolutely!

NF: We wish you the very best …
ZW: Likewise … God Bless!

surviving the storm

As I read my Bible earlier this week, I had opportunity to revisit the 27th chapter of Acts which details a fateful sailing trip of the apostle Paul…

Traveling as a prisoner, on his way to Rome, Paul found himself on board a ship with many others – faced with a perplexing decision: To sail or not to sail? That was the million-dollar question. Paul responded, "I see only disaster ahead for cargo and ship—to say nothing of our lives!—if we put out to sea now." Hindsight being 20/20, Paul’s warning was remarkably accurate.

However, the crew of the ship decided to disregard the instruction they received and set sail anyway. What followed was a direct encounter with the ‘storm-of-storms’. The crew and passengers found themselves in peril with no apparent means of escape.

And this is this exactly what we do from time to time – we ignore godly council and then wonder how we end up in the middle of a storm (relational, spiritual, physical, financial), losing control of everything.

BUT, THE STORM THAT YOU FACE TODAY DOES NOT HAVE TO BE UNTO DEATH

There are several important points in this passage of scripture which can help us all safely navigate the storms of life:

DO NOT
• Ignore godly council – ‘11 However, the centurion paid greater attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.’
• Let the winds of life take you where they may. – ’15… when the ship was caught and was unable to head against the wind, we gave up and, letting her drift, were borne along.’
• Seek your own route of escape – ‘30 And as the sailors were trying to escape [secretly] from the ship and were lowering the small boat into the sea, pretending that they were going to lay out anchors from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.’

DO
• Lighten the load. Release from your life those things which are burdening you. – ‘18 As we were being dangerously tossed about by the violence of the storm, the next day they began to throw the freight overboard’
• Seek God’s Wisdom – ‘21 But after long fasting [and no doubt, so prayer], Paul stood forth in the midst of them…’NKJV
• Be Courageous and believe God – ‘25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith (complete confidence) in God that it will be exactly as it was told me.’
• Release the anchors, loosen the rudders and raise the sail – ‘40 … they cut the cables and severed the anchors and left them in the sea; at the same time unlashing the ropes that held the rudders and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they headed for the beach.’

Understand that you will need to release any anchor that is not God. These men also loosened the ropes to the rudders. In sailing, rudders steer the ship. If you are going to successfully navigate the storms in your life, you will need to take your hands off of the steering and quit charting your own course. Which brings us to the last point – they raised the sail. Traditionally, the raising of a white flag or banner is a sign of surrender. If we are to be successful in the storms of life, we will need to surrender our situations and ourselves to God’s perfect plan and purpose.

Now, the ship still broke up. However, as we see in verse 44, ‘so it was that ALL [all 276 passengers/crew] escaped safely to land.’ It happened just as God said it would.

Trust God, follow the wisdom He has outlined in His Word and you will make it safely to shore!