Holly Wagner: How to Stand in the Storm

What do you do when life starts to shake?

Holly Wagner used the story of Paul in Acts 27 to remind us that storms are part of our life, but they do not have to be the end of our story. Whether the storm is relational, financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual, we can learn how to stand when everything around us is trembling.

Brace Yourself
When the storm hit Paul’s ship, the sailors wrapped ropes around it to hold it steady. Sometimes courage looks like holding it together; getting out of bed when your heart is hurting, continuing to pray, and trusting God while in the middle of the storm.
We brace ourselves by fixing our minds on the truth of God’s Word and renewing our minds. And we don't do it by ourselves. Community matters. We were created for family and community. “Don’t just come to church, be the church.”

Let It Go
The sailors threw cargo overboard to lighten the load on the ship. In the same way, there are things we may need to let go of; offense, past hurts, control, fear, regret, anger and shame.

“Some of us don’t need more strength. We just need less weight.”

Drop Your Anchors
When the sailors couldn't control the storm, they dropped anchors. When life feels unstable, we need something stable to grasp onto.

Our anchors are God’s presence, God’s promises, and purpose. Our circumstances may be unsteady, but God is not. And even when our plans change, God can still use where we are.
Paul was headed to Rome, but the storm brought him to Malta. It wasn't the destination he planned or even wanted, but God used him there. A detour with God can still become a destiny moment.

Stay at Your Post
When pressure comes, it can be tempting to jump ship. But Paul told them to stay.
Stay at the post God has trusted you with.
You may be shaking, and your plans may be delayed; but you are not alone, and you are not forgotten.

The storm may be with you, but greater still, God is with you.