Big Idea: Storm-tested faith doesn’t wait for calm seas—it follows God’s direction and clings to His promises. How To Have Storm Tested Faith: 1. Follow God’s Direction—Even When It Leads Into the Storm (vv. 1–15) 1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest. 13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. Acts 27:1-15 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV) 2. Anchor Your Hope On God’s Promises When Everything Falls Apart(vv. 16–26) 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. 17 When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." Acts 27:16-26 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) What would it look like for you to “anchor” your hope in what God has promised? My Next Right Steps, I Will: Invite God’s presence into my storm. Choose to believe His promise more than my fear. Accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Be baptized as a believer in Jesus Christ. TALK IT OVER Big Idea: Storm-tested faith doesn’t wait for calm seas—it follows God’s direction and clings to His promises. Icebreaker – “Weathering the Storm” Think of a time you went through a literal storm (wind, rain, or even just getting caught in the elements). What did you learn about preparation, patience, or perspective? Now — what’s a life storm you’ve had to weather, and how did you experience God’s help? How To Have Storm Tested Faith: 1. Follow God’s Direction—Even When It Leads Into the Storm (vv. 1–15) Paul was obeying God’s call to go to Rome — yet the journey led him into a storm, not around it. Why do we often assume that obedience should protect us from hardship? Have you ever faced a storm because you were doing what God called you to do? What did you learn? How can we stay faithful when God’s path feels more painful than peaceful? Takeaway: Obedience may lead into storms, but never outside God’s presence. 2. Anchor Your Hope On God’s Promises When Everything Falls Apart (vv. 16–26) When the storm stripped away their strength, supplies, and control, Paul reminded them of what could never be taken — God’s promise. What “ships” or securities do people often rely on that can’t survive a storm? How have you experienced God’s promises sustaining you when things fell apart? In the darkest moment, Paul declares, “I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.” Which promise of God anchors you the most right now? What keeps you from trusting what God has said when what you see looks hopeless? How can faith in God’s Word calm fear when circumstances don’t change? Takeaway: Faith rests not on what’s visible, but on what’s unshakable — the Word of God. Group Reflection: Where do you feel the “winds” blowing hardest in your life right now? What truth from Paul’s example gives you courage to trust God in your own storm? Next Steps: Pray daily: “Lord, help me trust Your promises more than my perceptions.” Write down one verse that reminds you of God’s faithfulness — keep it where you’ll see it often this week. Memorize: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV), “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”