WHEN A CHOICE TURNS YOUR LIFE INTO A STORM!!

                              WHEN A CHOICE OR DECISION BECOMES A EURAQUILO STORM

“…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control …they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope (ALL EXPECTANCY) of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

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A Euraquilo wind was a seamen’s term for an eastern or northeastern wind common in the winter season on the island of Malta. It was this violent, tempestuous, and hurricane wind that caused the shipwreck in Acts chapter 27. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

The Euraquilo wind has been known to cause horrific waves, lasts for days. THE EURAQUILO ALSO causeD much death and destruction. When the Euraquilo wind BLEW, usually resistance WAS useless. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

Their CHOICE, to sail, led them into a storm with so much WIND FORCE they had to surrender the ship to its POWER. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

CHOOSING TO FOLLOW the path of human expertise, past experience, and human reasoning did NOT stop them from LOSING control of the SHIP. “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

Once CERTAIN CHOICES ARE made and is set in motion; THEY cannot be retracted. A destiny is set on course. People often prefer to be the controllers of their own ships/destinies or the expert captains of the own souls.

However, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of control or autonomy. “…the ship  … was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP was no longer autonomous, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient to the storm.

Every effort to keep THEIR SHIP independent and autonomous failed. “…they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

They struggled and struggled to maintain autonomy and control of the SHIP with all their combined expertise, past experience, nautical logic, human strength, and lifelong skills, but it did NOT work. IN ADDITION, “…neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope  (ALL EXPECTANCY) of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

Being able to choose the way YOU want to go is the exercise of the autonomy of human will. To be autonomous means to be independent or to follow the private rules, expertise, and desires of one’s OWN choosing. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

An autonomous person thinks of themselves as self-sufficient and not controlled by forces outside of themselves. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “….Apart from Me (GOD, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

To be autonomous is really the exercise of one’s human will. Autonomous people have the ability to make informed, self-sufficient CHOICES about their OWN PATHS and DESIRES.

King Nebuchadnezzar had an autonomous attitude TOO. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar acted in his autonomy and did what he believed was right in his OWN eyes. “….The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar used his autonomy to direct his human will to CHOOSE his OWN way. He DID NOT choose to listen to God’s messenger or let God’s messenger influence or interfere with what he WANTED to do. He TRUSTED his OWN way.  “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).

King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN autonomy, which PROVED he was in control of his OWN human will. “… he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Thus, control is when YOU determine your own CHOICES or plans WITHOUT submitting to the control or will of another. “But the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar was in control of his CHOICES. He alone governed the liberties or restrictions of his OWN heart’s desires. “…But my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

Losing control makes autonomous people feel helpless, scared, terrified, naked, exposed, or weak. “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what... Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).

“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  

To lose control is frightening. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

When control is lost most people will desperately find a way to regain that control OR will wisely submit to God’s sovereign control. “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

People control THEIR world and God controls HIS world.  “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Thus, people ALWAYS have control over their human will within the scope of their little world, but they do NOT have control over the will of God within the scope of his whole world. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT).

The events, situations, or circumstances that happen in life are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Job did not have control over what happened to him. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

Job could NOT control the events that happened. Job relinquished control to God with the right attitude. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

When the loss of control leaves you helpless and vulnerable; you will either give way to discouragement and anger or you will surrender control to God. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). Yet, “… Jehoshaphat … BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  

A loss of personal control will allow an autonomous person to see, realize, and discover the LIMITS of their own self-sufficiency. . “….Apart from [GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT], [they]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The less strength an autonomous person has over certain events in life; the less control they realize they truly have AT ALL. “…They lost all control of the ship…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

A loss of control will ALWAYS be a struggle for an autonomous person, but, in the midst of the struggle if that person chooses to call on God he will help you. “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…He HELPS ME…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

A loss of control may last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years. “…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (7 years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

The experience of the loss of control can be almost unbearable, humbling, hopeless, full of anger, and frightening. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

In the story of Lazarus in John 11 it seems God did not intervene in a timely manner. … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

In the loss of human autonomy it may seem “too late” or impossible for God to fix what seems completely hopeless and out of control. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

It is normal, for an autonomous person, to feel angry and “OUT” of control when situations and circumstances become storms they personally could NOT keep “IN” control. “…all hope … was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

A loss of control is a sign to many people to “give up,” or to finally acknowledge that God is truly in sovereign control and surrender the outcome to him. “…the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).

 Thus, Paul, A MAN OF GOD, GAVE A PROPHECY: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. …I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB).  “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

God is sovereign over stormy, out of control situations and personal, human control has limitations. Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

You may continue to have control over your human will, but can’t fix the situation that has become a storm. God can fix it. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

Wherever you have been robbed of human control; it is a good time to acknowledge and submit the outcome to God. The bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

No matter how BIG the storm God can still, “…do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “…Only believe (ONLY DEPEND UPON HIM)…” (Mark 5:36 KJV).

The loss of autonomy is very frightening for some, but comfort, rest, and a sense of safety can be gained by trusting that God can DO the impossible. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s incredible POWER to FIX our storms is often incomprehensible. “… But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

In the story of Lazarus Jesus showed up in God’s sovereign timing!!! At God’s appointed time, “… [all could see]...the glory  (HIS PRESENCE REVEALED) OF God, [and]…that the Son of God (THE WORD) …[was also]…glorified thereby (ALSO REVEALED GOD'S PRESENCE)…” (John 11:4 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s refusal to let go of human control AND with the right attitude. “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).  Jesus came to do God’s will. “…I seek NOT mine own will…” and submitted to His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

When God is not sovereign your outcome will be a lot different than Apostle Paul’s and the seamen. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB). However, “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God is ALWAYS in control, but he is not controlling. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).  However, “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

Even in a loss of control you can “STILL” willfully chose to follow your OWN way. Holding onto autonomy will always be in conflict with God’s willingness to HELP. “…“…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

The seamen listened to the word given through Apostle Paul. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

God rightfully has sovereignty over his world and everybody that dwells it in. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “… He (God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT).

If you have been through or are going through a loss of control simply surrender the outcome to God’s will. “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

To be autonomous is to depend on the limitations of your own control. To surrender to God is to depend on the unlimited control of God’s sovereignty. “…the things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

 “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

Once CERTAIN CHOICES ARE made and is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. A destiny is set on course. People often prefer to be the master of their own ships/destinies or the expert captains of the own souls.

However, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of autonomy. “…the ship  … was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP was no longer autonomous, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient.

If a Euraquilo wind is blowing through your life and you have given way to it, become angry, or feel helpless; then: BOLDLY CALL ON GOD and CHOOSE TO TRUST THE OUTCOME TO HIM. “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

Has a wrong DECISION become a STORM? Are you WILLING to CHOOSE to TRUST GOD to get you OUT of the storm, DO THE IMPOSSIBLE, WORK OUT a new outcome, and REDIRECT your steps?

LET GO OF YOUR PRIDE, YOUR STUBBORNNESS, YOUR DESIRE TO HAVE YOUR OWN WAY, AND TRUST OR DEPEND UPON GOD TO WORK EVERY SINGLE THING TOGETHER FOR  YOUR GOOD!!  “…He helps [YOU]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).