Read this again ”God Has Not Abandoned You”. Storms in life are inevitable; sometimes they come as sudden news, other times as prolonged seasons of uncertainty. In those moments, it’s easy to believe that God has turned away or forgotten us.
But just like Paul in Acts 27, we are reminded that God’s presence and promises are not dependent on calm seas. His “yes” still stands, even when the winds roar and the waves rise. This devotional is a call to lift your eyes from the storm to the One who holds it in His hands, and to find courage not in the absence of trouble, but in the certainty of His Word.
Take Courage: God Has Not Abandoned You
“Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” – Acts 27:22 (NASB1995)
In the middle of the storm, when every sign pointed to disaster, Paul stood up and urged the men to take courage. He did this because he had heard from God, not because the winds had stopped or the waves had calmed. God’s Word was more reliable than their fear.
Sometimes, courage does not come from what we see, but from who we know is with us.
Courage in the Face of Fear
When Paul spoke these words, the storm had already been raging for over two weeks. The sailors had thrown cargo overboard, they had fasted, and hope was running out (Acts 27:18–21).
Paul reminded them: “God has spoken.”
- The situation still looked hopeless.
- The storm was still ongoing.
- The ship was still destined to break.
Yet God’s promise held greater weight than their surroundings.
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and rescued me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
Fear may knock, but faith must answer.
What Gives Us Courage in Life’s Storms?
- Knowing God is in control, even when we are not. “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” – Psalm 103:19
- Believing His Word is greater than the waves. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:8 “Forever, Lord, Your word stands in heaven.” – Psalm 119:89
- Trusting that loss does not mean defeat. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
- God can still bring you safely to shore, even if the vessel changes.
How to Strengthen Your Courage
- Pray and ask God for strength: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything… with prayer… let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts.” – Philippians 4:6–7
- Surround yourself with faith-filled voices: “Two are better than one… if one falls, the other will lift up his companion.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
- Avoid voices that stir panic. Run with those who stir prayer.
- Remember past storms and God’s faithfulness: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits…” – Psalm 103:2
God did not bring you this far to leave you now.
Your Challenge for This Week
- Declare courage over one specific situation in your life. Say it aloud. Write it down.
- Encourage someone else who is struggling with fear or doubt. Speak life into them.
- Stand on God’s promises, not your emotions or the headlines.
You may have lost the map, but God has not lost you.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
Take courage. God has not abandoned you.