RIGHT SMACK DAB “INSIDE” THE STORM, GOD IS WORKING IT TOGETHER FOR GOOD
“…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 of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
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In this scripture, an 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, and cause much death and property destruction. When the Euraquilo wind BLOWS, usually resistance is useless. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
In this story, the seamen CHOSE to sail, which 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).
Some STORMS are unexpected, but sometimes you are warned the storm is approaching, but CHOOSE to face the risk anyway, in hope, you will come through them in your OWN strength. “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork (a powerless object) in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).
People often prefer to be the controllers of their own STORMS in LIFE. Nonetheless, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of all human control or autonomy. “…the ship … was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).
Every human effort, the seamen made, to keep THEIR SHIP undisturbed by the STORM or to keep things as NORMAL as possible, 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).
The seamen struggled and struggled to AVOID the STORM’S disruption or damage to their SHIP, but it did NOT work. “…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).
They COULDN’T control the WIND. We can’t control death, evil people or their attitudes, injustice, the stock market crash, some sicknesses, haters of your faith, divorces, etc.
INSIDE “certain” STORMS of LIFE it is unusually impossible to remain dependent upon human effort or strength. “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).
Unfortunately, inside A STORM some people think of themselves as self-sufficient, but eventually even they realize they can’t sustain control. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar thought his sufficiency was his OWN human effort and strength. “…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 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 CHOOSE his OWN way and did not heed God’s warning that a STORM was coming. “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 self-sufficiency. “… 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).
“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 kept doing whatever he wanted to do and did not HEED the warnings of the coming STORM. “…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).
God is in control of HIS world and people are being self-sufficient “WITHIN” 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 think because they have self-sufficiency within the scope of their SMALL little world, they also have self-sufficiency within the WIDE scope of God’s much LARGER 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, circumstances, or the STORMS of LIFE that happen 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. If he did have control, he would have stopped it. “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 “ANY” of the events that happened. Job relinquished and respected the sovereign control, he came to recognize, to God. He also did it 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 self-sufficiency 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). “… Jehoshaphat … BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
A loss of self-sufficiency will allow people to see, realize, and discover the LIMITS of their human effort and strength . “….Apart from [Jesus], [they]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
The less strength a person has over the STORMS of LIFE; the less self-sufficiency they realize they truly have too. “…They lost all control of the ship…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).
A loss of self-sufficiency is ALWAYS a struggle for some people, but, in the midst of the STORMS of LIFE, if God’s people call on HIM he will help them. “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
The STORMS of LIFE may last for moments, minutes, 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 (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).
To experience the loss of self-sufficiency can often become 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 self-sufficiency 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 a self-sufficient person, to feel angry and “OUT” of control INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE. “…all hope … was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
A loss of self-sufficiency is a sign of human limitations and can cause discouragement. Paul said: “…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 STORMS of LIFE. Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
The STORMS of LIFE can’t be controlled with human self-sufficiency or with limited human strength. Only God can control our STORMS and process us victoriously through them. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
Wherever you have been robbed of human self-sufficiency or strength; it is a good time to acknowledge your helplessness 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” (Mark 5:36 KJV).
The loss of self-sufficiency and strength 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 God (his presence, his goodness, and his power), [and]…that the Son of God (the Word) …[was also]…glorified thereby…” (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 self-sufficiency and relying upon the limitation of human strength. “…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 or his Word is not sovereign INSIDE your STORMS, your outcome will be a lot different than Job’s, Daniel’s. the Hebrew boys, Peter’s, or the seamen. “….And so it happened that they (the seamen) all were brought safely to land [because God’s Word said they would]…” (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 self-sufficiency you can “STILL” willfully chose to follow your OWN way, which will always be in conflict with God’s willingness to HELP you. “…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 the second time. “….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).
God’s has CONTROL, but he is NOT controlling, YOU have the “human will” to choose your OWN way. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
If you have been through or are going through a STORM 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 self-sufficient is to depend upon the limitations of your own control or human strength. To surrender to God is to depend upon the unlimited control of God’s sovereignty such as his love, his care, and his empowering strength. “…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 a STORM is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. The atmosphere is disturbed and normal is disrupted. An Euraquilo wind is the enemy of self-sufficiency. “…the ship … was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP could no longer be supported or sustained by human self-sufficiency or strength, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient to the STORM.
If a Euraquilo wind is blowing through your life and you have given way to it, by becoming frightened, weak, anxious, powerless, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, helpless, or discouraged; then: BOLDLY CALL ON GOD. “...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).
I have some FOOD for thought QUESTIONS: Has your self-sufficiency weakened and human strength weakened during your STORM of LIFE? Are you WILLING to SURRENDER the outcome of the STORM to God’s sovereign love, care, and empowering strength?“… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).
God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).
“….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land (to their destiny)…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).
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