Anchors in the Storm

Key Takeaways

Through this week's Scripture, we discover four anchors God provides for our storms:

1. The Anchor of Reality - Storms will come.

2. The Anchor of God's Promise - God shows up when hope is abandoned.

3. The Anchor of Obedience - We participate in God's deliverance.

4. The Anchor of Hope - Jesus endured the ultimate storm for us.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  John said that 'Christians have the same problems as everyone else, they just have different solutions.' What makes the Christian's solution to suffering fundamentally different from the world's approach?

• Question 2

  God often waits until 'all hope in ourselves is abandoned' before showing up. Why do you think God uses this pattern, and what spiritual danger exists when place hope in our own abilities?

• Question 3

  Why is worship described as 'the best thing you can do when you're in a storm,' and how does praising God actually heal and sustain us in the midst of suffering?

• Question 4

  The sailors secretly lowered a lifeboat while pretending to drop anchors. Where in your life might you be 'feigning obedience' while actually preparing an escape hatch?

• Question 5

  John presents the tension that God's sovereignty is 100% and human responsibility is also 100%. How does this 'both-and' reality give you courage rather than making you passive during difficult times?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Reality of Storms

READING :

Acts 27:13-20; James 1:2-4

DEVOTIONAL :

Life doesn't exempt anyone from storms, not even faithful followers of Christ. Paul and his companions found themselves violently storm-tossed. The sailors tried every technique they knew, but the tempest overwhelmed them. When neither sun nor stars appeared, all hope was abandoned. This is the honest reality Scripture presents: storms hit everyone. Being a Christian doesn't protect you from life's storms, but gives you different resources to face them. Today, acknowledge whatever storm you're facing. Stop pretending or performing. God meets us not in our polished performance, but when we abandon hope in ourselves and cry out to him. The first step toward experiencing God's grace is admitting you need it.

Day 2 : God's Promise in the Darkness

READING :

Acts 27:21-26; Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9

DEVOTIONAL :

After all hope was abandoned, God spoke. An angel appeared to Paul with a personal message: "Do not be afraid, Paul." God knows your name. He sees your storm. Paul's courage didn't come from positive thinking or self-confidence; it came from God's word to him. You have access to these same promises. God isn't angry with you; Jesus already took the storm of God's wrath for your sin. The storm you're in isn't meant to destroy you. Store up Scripture's promises before the next storm hits. Memorize them. The God who kept his most costly promise—sending his Son—will keep every other promise too.

Day 3 : Obedience While Waiting

READING :

Acts 27:27-32; Philippians 2:12-13

DEVOTIONAL :

God promised everyone would survive, yet the storm raged eleven more days. Most of life happens in the tension between promise given and promise fulfilled. The sailors tried to escape, looking for the lifeboat instead of trusting God's word. We do the same. Where are you pretending to anchor while secretly preparing your escape? Scripture holds a beautiful mystery: God is 100% sovereign AND your choices 100% matter. This isn't contradiction; it's participation. God invites you to participate in the very means he'll use to fulfill his promises. Don't be passive in your waiting. Eat well. Stay connected to community. Serve others. Use the resources God provides—doctors, counselors, wise friends. Prepare for the hard swim ahead, knowing God will get you safely to shore.

Day 4 : The God Who Stays in the Boat

READING :

Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:14-18

DEVOTIONAL :

Unlike the sailors who sought escape, Jesus stayed in the boat. He didn't look for the lifeboat when the storm of God's judgment fell upon him at the cross. Jesus purposefully steered his vessel into the greatest storm—the storm of divine wrath against sin—so you would never face it. He took on human flesh and remained fully human through suffering and death. This is the heart of the gospel. Your rescue isn't up to you. It depends entirely on the One who endured the ultimate storm in your place. Because Jesus was swallowed by death and emerged victorious, He now carries you through every storm until you reach home. You're not facing your struggles alone or in your own strength. The storm-conquering Savior is with you.

Day 5 : It Is Well With My Soul

READING :

Acts 27:33-44; Psalm 23; Romans 8:35-39

DEVOTIONAL :

The ship broke apart completely, but everyone reached shore safely, some swimming, others clinging to planks. God's promise was fulfilled, but not without cost and effort. You will experience loss in life's storms. Relationships may fracture. Dreams may die. Loved ones will pass away. The ship will break up. But you will make it to the beach. Horatio Spafford, after losing a son and standing over the waters that swallowed his four daughters, wrote: "Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well with my soul." How? Because the God to whom he belonged was with him in the storm. When peace like a river or sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever your lot, you can say "it is well" because your soul is anchored in Christ, who went beneath the waves for you.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

All: The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138:7-8

Confession of faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of sin

Most Merciful Father, we confess that when storms break, we panic, grasp for control, and abandon the anchors you have given. We ignore your warnings, doubt your promises, and seek lifeboats of our own making. We forget that Christ has already faced the greater storm for us. Forgive us our fear and unbelief. Steady our hearts by your word, and anchor us again in your grace.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

Learn more

Read this article about Horatio Spafford, the man who penned “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Looking Ahead

Join us next week as we close this sermon series with Acts 28:14b-31.