“Preacher, when you get outside the will of God, you may find yourself in a storm,” an angry deacon warned my pastor friend. Pastor Paul had included the whole community in a sports event in central Texas and had run afoul of some angry church members. Not everyone was welcome in that church. The story made me wonder: is it possible that some storms in our lives are actually part of God’s plan?
When the Apostle Paul appealed to Caesar, he found himself standing before Felix, Festus and Agrippa, rulers in the ancient world. Each of them heard him tell the story of his own salvation by grace. Each time he invited them to become followers of Christ. Agrippa said, “Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul was still on a mission, even when he was in prison and even when he found himself in a storm.
After the authorities agreed to send him to Rome, Paul found himself in “Fair Havens.” He warned the soldier in charge of him to wait there for the winter and not to go, but the pilot prevailed on him. A good wind prompted them to sail, but soon they found themselves in a storm. Can you believe Paul, a prisoner would say to those who decided to sail, “I told you so”? But Paul also had good news. An angel had come to him and told him not to be afraid. Not only would Paul survive the storm but also all of the others on board would live.
If you find yourself in a storm, remember that you are not alone. God is with you. He is working all things, even storms, together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes. A storm gave way to a shipwreck and ultimately to safe arrival for all on the ship. God was with Paul every step of the way. Paul was with God every step of the way. All we need to figure out today is if we love God and if we have answered his call. You can be in the will of God and find yourself in a storm. Good news: our God knows how to still a storm and bring us through to his greater purpose for our lives. If you think this is the end, grab a plank and float to shore. Your story has just started!
