Storms at Sea — Trusting God When Life Feels Out of Control (Acts 27:1–26)
Have you ever felt like your life was spinning out of control—like everything around you was crashing and you had no idea what would happen next? That’s exactly what happened to the apostle Paul in Acts 27. But even in the middle of a terrifying storm, Paul held on to something stronger than fear: his faith in God.
Let’s take a closer look at this powerful story.
The Journey to Rome Begins
After many trials and years of waiting, Paul was finally being taken to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. He had appealed to the emperor, and now he was put on a ship with other prisoners, soldiers, and sailors.
Even though Paul was a prisoner, he found favor with the Roman officer in charge, a kind man named Julius. Julius allowed Paul some freedom and treated him with respect.
As they traveled along the coast, the winds were already making the trip slow and difficult. It wasn’t the best time of year to sail, and Paul—who had experience with travel—warned them.
Paul’s Warning: “Don’t Go!”
When they reached a place called Fair Havens, Paul said:
“Men, I believe there is going to be trouble ahead if we keep going—damage to the ship, loss of cargo, and possibly lives.”
But the ship’s captain and the owner of the boat wanted to push forward. The weather looked better for the moment, and they wanted to reach a better harbor to spend the winter.
So they decided to keep sailing.
The Storm Hits
At first, the winds were gentle—but suddenly, a powerful storm swept down from the island. It was so strong, the ship was caught in it and couldn’t fight against the wind. They had no choice but to let the storm drive them.
The waves got worse. The sailors tied ropes around the ship to hold it together. They threw cargo overboard to lighten the load. For many days, they didn’t see the sun or stars. The storm just kept raging. Everyone on board began to lose hope.
Paul Stands Up With Hope
In the middle of this terrible situation, Paul stood up and said:
“You should have listened to me and not left Fair Havens. But take courage! No one will die, though the ship will be lost.”
He explained that an angel from God had appeared to him the night before and said:
“Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar. And God has graciously given you the lives of everyone sailing with you.”
Then Paul added:
“So take courage! I believe God. It will happen just as He said. But we must run aground on an island.”
What We Can Learn from Acts 27:1–26
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Storms in life are real
Even Paul—someone faithful and obedient—found himself in a literal life-threatening storm. Following Jesus doesn’t mean we avoid trouble, but it does mean we’re never alone. -
God speaks in the storm
In their darkest moment, God sent a message through an angel. He reminded Paul of His promise and His purpose. God still speaks today through His Word and His Spirit. -
Hope can shine in hopeless places
Everyone else on the ship had given up, but Paul had something they didn’t—hope in God’s promises. When you trust God, you can be a light even when everything else seems dark. -
Faith says, “I believe God”
Paul’s most powerful words were simple: “I believe God.” That’s what real faith looks like—not pretending the storm isn’t real, but trusting that God is greater than the storm.
Final Thought:
You might not be on a ship in the middle of a sea storm, but maybe you’re in a different kind of storm—health problems, family struggles, financial pressure, or just feeling lost. In moments like those, remember Paul’s words:
“Take courage… I believe God.”
Hold on to God’s promises. He hasn’t forgotten you, and He hasn’t lost control. Sometimes He calms the storm—and sometimes He carries you through it.
Either way, you’re not alone.
Acts 27:1-26 (WEB)
27:1 When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band. 2 Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us. 3 The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself. 4 Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board. 7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.9 When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them 10 and said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul. 12 Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking southwest and northwest.13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore. 14 But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon. 15 When the ship was caught and couldn’t face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat. 17 After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along. 18 As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw out the ship’s tackle with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.21 When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete and have gotten this injury and loss. 22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me. 26 But we must run aground on a certain island.”