Finding God in the Storm. “Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.” — Acts 27:20 (NASB1995)
Life brings storms. These are not the gentle rains that nourish the earth, but the kinds of tempests that break things apart. An unexpected diagnosis, a sudden betrayal, a financial collapse, a season of spiritual dryness, or a deep loss can leave us reeling.
Our Last Devotional
Like Paul on that ship in Acts 27, we can find ourselves in a season where all natural signs of direction disappear. The sun does not shine. The stars offer no guide. All hope of being saved seems gone.
Here is a truth to anchor your soul: God is not absent in the storm. He is often most present when He seems most silent.
When Hope is Abandoned: Finding God in the Storm
Paul’s storm was not brief. It was not a momentary inconvenience. The storm had raged for many days, and the men on board were gradually abandoning hope. (Acts 27:20). Perhaps you have been in such a place:
- You have prayed, but the situation has not changed.
- You have waited, but the breakthrough has not come.
- You have trusted, but everything still feels dark.
Even great people of faith have walked through these valleys.
Elijah sat under a broom tree and asked to die (1 Kings 19:4).
David wept until he had no more strength (1 Samuel 30:4).
Job cursed the day of his birth (Job 3:1).
The disciples, though with Jesus in the boat, cried out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).
Hopelessness is real, but so is God.
Where is God in These Moments?
He is near:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Even when the storm hides Him from your view, He has not left you.
He is speaking:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.” – Isaiah 43:2
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27
The noise of the wind does not silence the whisper of the Shepherd.
He has a plan:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God…” – Romans 8:28
“I know the plans that I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity…” – Jeremiah 29:11
Storms do not derail God’s purposes. The storm often prepares you for the shore.
Holding On to Hope in the Storm
How do we find God in the middle of the tempest?
Refuse to let fear control you.
“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:10
Fear distorts reality and silences faith. God’s perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
Anchor yourself in His Word, not your circumstances.
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable…” – Hebrews 6:19
Paul did not survive the storm because the ship was strong. The ship was destroyed. He survived because God had spoken (Acts 27:23–25).
Remember: storms do not last forever.
“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
The sun will rise again. Jesus still commands the winds and waves.
Your Challenge for This Week
- Identify a storm in your life: Name it. Do not hide it. Bring it before the Lord in prayer.
- Speak a promise of God over that situation: Write down a verse and declare it daily. Let it be your anchor.
- Encourage someone else who is in their storm: Paul strengthened the others on board even while the storm was still raging (Acts 27:22–25). Be that voice of courage to someone else.
Remember this:
You are not abandoned in the storm. God is still the God of the wind and waves. The storm does not define your future. God does.
“Take courage… for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” – Acts 27:25
Hold on. He is not finished yet.