Shipwrecked

Our preacher has been doing a series of outstanding lessons over the book of Acts this summer. We are finally reaching the end of the series, and Rick gave an outstanding lesson yesterday about Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27. Through his lesson he paralleled the many ways that we as Christians can find our life wrecked - through sudden loss of a loved one, through financial ruin, through broken marriages, etc. Many people flock to religion because they think that they will be safe from "shipwrecks" in their life, but Rick reminded us that happiness and success in life is not a guarantee just because we are children of God. In fact, it is not a question of "if" we will encounter a shipwreck but rather a question of "when" we will encounter one. There is always going to be situations that arise in our life. The question is, how will we handle them? This started me thinking about how much am I not like Paul? He spoke of an angel in v. 23 that spoke to him and told him that no life would be lost - only the ship. He held fast to the truth, and he persuaded the others on the ship to believe. Just as the angel had spoken, no life was lost. I have to ask myself - do I seek God through my storms, and do I praise Him through my storms? Me and my sisters, my brother, and my parents are going through a "hurricane" right now. How can I change my heart so that I can make it through the storm and still praise HIM? I need to be more like Paul! I will be blaring my Casting Crowns cd!

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now

That You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen",

and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear

Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry

You raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth