Shipwrecks, Storms, & a Holy Ghost
Are you ready for an epic adventure?
The end of Acts reads like a synopsis of a blockbuster film: riots, beatings, starvation, storms, shipwrecks, pagan islands, and more.
As we finish our Summer in the Spirit series, we’re also finishing the journey with the Apostle Paul. And in the midst of this, we’re considering staying mindful the activity of the Holy Spirit in the midst of our uncertain journeys.
Have you faced uncertainty recently?
Stagnant waters?
Any storms in life?
Past shipwrecks?
Sometimes these events can seem to throw us off course. Questions about God, purpose, hope, and pain can derail us into fear, flight, or stagnancy.
Did you know there’s actually a theme of storms, ships, and faith in the scriptures? Here are two examples:
Jonah:
This prophet of God actually runs the opposite way from God’s call to reconciliation and grace (with Nineveh) by jumping on a ship. In this storm, God call’s Jonah to repent, turn from his disobedience, and back to Him by literally throwing himself into the storm. And in that uncertainty, God saves him and brings him to shore.
Peter:
This future leader of the Church is in a boat with the disciples, in the midst a storm, as they’re waiting on Jesus (who was having His own devo-time other side of the lake). In the midst of their intense storm, Jesus comes walking on the water!
Peter, in faith, says, “If that’s you, Jesus, let me join you by walking onto the water!” Who thinks like this?! But Jesus reveals Himself as a miracle worker in and through Peter’s faith by having Peter step upon the waves, braving the unknown and keeping His eyes on Jesus. But Peter begins to sink when he takes his eyes off the Lord of the storm.
These stories actually reveal a progression in the life of our relationship with God.
Jonah’s disobedience and obedience from God is similar to the law-based relationship of the Old Testament.
Peter’s faith and fear in the uncertainty is similar to the gospel relationship with Jesus where Jesus empowers the disciples to do the things that He does—but they’re doing them under His watchful juristiction—but not yet filled with the Holy Spirit.
But this Sunday, we’ll look at Paul, an apostle filled with the Holy Spirit and power—and we’ll look at how he navigates the storms they face with an intimate relationship with the indwelling Person of God.
Even in the stagnancy, storms, and shipwrecks —as if the whole cosmic disorder is thrust against the Apostle Paul—Paul maintains a vital relational connection with the Holy Spirit.
It’s enthralling to read and imagine, but can you picture actually being a prisoner on transport, in chains, riding a ship carrying hundreds of mariners to Rome—knowing God had told you this would be end? Paul had heard from the Holy Spirit and knew that no matter what He faced, the Spirit wouldn’t forget the word He had spoken:
For the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God. (Acts 20.22-24, MSG)
Paul’s gritty determination wasn’t forced or bootstrapped, but was nourished over years by a gentle reliance on the Holy Spirit who time after time move through Paul until Paul was the type of person who could face these storms and shipwrecks and maintain conscious union with the Holy Spirit too. For Paul, and the future Church, this changed everything.
How have the storms of life effected you?
What areas of stagnancy are you in currently?
What shipwrecks have left you washed up? Trapped on an island?
What might the Holy Spirit be doing amidst these situations for you?
What would it be like to hear His voice right now?
Take a moment and talk with Him about what you’re facing.
Pause.
See what comes up.
Maybe He has something to say?
Or a new way to stay connected?
And join us Sunday at 9:30am for more ;)
PS. if you want to learn more,
check out this video about Paul’s journey at the end of Acts below: