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Life is full of moments we never expect. A sudden phone call changes everything. A doctor’s report shakes the ground beneath us. Financial burdens keep us awake at night. Conflict, loss, or loneliness press in when we least anticipate it. Troubles, big and small, are woven into the human story.
But as believers, we are not left without guidance. The Bible speaks honestly about trials, offering not only comfort but also direction. One of the clearest pictures comes from Acts 27, where the apostle Paul endured a violent storm at sea. Despite chains and chaos, Paul became a voice of stability, reminding everyone on the ship to trust in God’s promises.
At Hope Worth Having, Pastor Mike Sanders often reminds us that storms are not signs of abandonment but invitations to deeper dependence on God. When trouble comes—and it will—we can anchor ourselves in Scripture and lean on unshakable truths that carry us through.
Here are seven biblical principles for navigating life’s storms with faith, courage, and hope.
Our first instinct in trouble is often to pull back. We get distracted, discouraged, or even angry. Prayer becomes harder, Bible study feels distant, and God seems silent. Yet Scripture calls us to do the opposite.
James 4:8 urges, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
When Paul faced storms—both literal and figurative—he consistently leaned into God’s presence. He prayed, listened for God’s voice, and encouraged others with the assurance that the Lord was still in control.
Trouble doesn’t mean God has stepped away; it’s an opportunity to lean on Him more fully. The storm you’re facing may be the very place where God reveals His nearness and power.
Practical takeaway:
Paul, even as a prisoner, encouraged those around him on the ship. He could have kept quiet, wallowing in despair, but instead he spoke courage into fearful hearts.
Encouragement is powerful because it shifts our focus outward. Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
Sometimes, the very act of encouraging someone else becomes the way God strengthens us. Even when we feel empty, we can remind others of God’s truth, and in doing so, find our own spirit renewed.
Practical takeaway:
Storms stir up fear. Our thoughts become restless, often filled with worst-case scenarios. Anxiety magnifies problems until they feel insurmountable. But God’s Word is a steady anchor.
Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
When Paul reassured the sailors, he wasn’t speaking wishful thinking. He spoke the promises of God. In Acts 27:25 he declared, “So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”
We, too, can silence fear by holding fast to God’s Word. His promises are reliable when emotions are not.
Practical takeaway:
The storm didn’t end immediately for Paul, but his confidence never wavered. Why? Because God had already promised him that he would reach Rome.
Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
When trouble tempts us to doubt, we can stand firmly on the promises God has already given: He is with us, He will provide, He will work all things together for good.
Faith doesn’t deny reality—it trusts God to be greater than reality.
Practical takeaway:
In Acts 27, some sailors considered abandoning ship to save themselves. But Paul warned, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved” (Acts 27:31).
When life is hard, it’s tempting to quit—quit church, quit relationships, even quit faith. But the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will, even when the seas are rough.
Storms don’t last forever. Faithfulness, even when it’s hard, leads to God’s blessing and greater maturity.
Practical takeaway:
Paul didn’t only preach—he served. He urged the crew to eat, breaking bread and giving thanks in the middle of the storm. His example proves that serving others gives strength to both the giver and the receiver.
Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Even in our pain, we have something to offer. Often, God uses our trials to prepare us to minister to others in ways we couldn’t before.
Practical takeaway:
Perhaps the most surprising moment in Acts 27 is when Paul pauses to give thanks over bread—even though the storm is raging. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it changes our perspective.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Gratitude reorients our hearts. It reminds us of what God has done and stirs faith for what He will do. Thankfulness in trouble becomes a testimony that encourages everyone watching.
Practical takeaway:
Paul’s story ends with survival. Though the ship was wrecked, not a single life was lost. God kept His word.
Your storm may not resolve the way you expect, but you can be sure of this: God is faithful, and He will carry you through. The storm may rage, but His promises will not fail.
At Hope Worth Having, we believe that storms can become platforms for God’s glory. They are opportunities for you to grow closer to Him, encourage others, and discover that hope truly is worth having.
If you’re facing trouble today, take heart—you are not alone. Reach out for prayer, tune into our broadcasts and podcasts, or join us for worship. Together, we can weather the storm, anchored in the unshakable hope of Christ.
If you want to learn more about the Bible, we have an exclusive with OBI that waives the $50 registration fee.
The online classes provides flexibility with the facilitator here to help you along the way. These are eight week classes with a price of $225 per course.
If you are interested in learning more about the Bible, these classes are for you. You can complete the entire 1-Year Bible Certificate for a total of $1999.