GPS-Kitty Hawk Beach

AUG 24 / Sunday Read Acts 27:1-44, especially v. 21-26, 30

Overview: Encountering one of life’s big “storms”? No problem. Try to remember that God is aware, has a plan, and always prevails. His advice is simple: abandon ship and head for the beach.

25 / Mon – Where is your hope anchored?  |  Read Acts 27:27, 40

There are times when you place your hope in something or someone other than God, and then storms of life reveal it. The ship’s captain did what seemed right, letting down anchors to steady the ship but found they did not hold. When he cut the cords, the Lord guided the ship to where they could be saved. And isn’t that what we all long for? Even though they lost the ship and its cargo, all lives were spared. What insufficient anchors might you be trusting in?

26 / Tue – God’s plans prevail  |  Read Acts 27:9-11 and 14-15 and 40-44 / Acts 27:37

Those in authority might make decisions against your advice that adversely affect you and those around you. It happened to Paul, but God’s plan for him to reach Rome could not be thwarted. Not the centurion’s poor decision, nor a life-threatening storm, nor a shipwreck. And because of Paul, all 276 souls aboard were saved. Even the unbelievers and convicted prisoners. No circumstance will keep you from where God wants you to be as you trust Him. How does this fact give you hope?

27 / Wed – Firestorm  |  Read Daniel 3:13-25

With a word, God can calm any storm, but He doesn’t always choose to do so. That would be bad news except that He promised to be there in the midst of it with you. This storm came when three godly men refused to kneel before an idol. They did not know what God would do, but they trusted Him for either outcome. What a testimony, lived out before the greatest world leader of that time. How will you respond when faced with a dangerous choice? Will you take the easy road or stand and face the consequences? You won’t be alone when you make the right decision.

28 / Thu – Maybe not in your lifetime  |  Read 1 Kings 8:6 and 10-11 and 55-61

Do you ever doubt God’s promises because you’ve been waiting so long to see them fulfilled? Israel waited 480 years to see this day. King Solomon had accomplished what the people of God had prayed and waited for. Read this important reminder in v.56 as he reviewed their history. Some of God’s promises may not be fulfilled in your lifetime, but you can be assured God hears and treasures your prayers (Rev. 5:8). He will answer at just the right time. Will you trust Him on that?

29 / Fri – Timing is everything  |  Read Ecc 3:1 / Rom 5:6 / Is 64:4

Have you found that God’s answers don’t always come as soon as you think they should? Remind yourself that God is God. He has all knowledge and perfect understanding, which we do not, and He is always on time. While waiting, you may hear an insidious voice whispering: God didn’t hear you, or He doesn’t care, or He can’t do it, or… but don’t you believe it. Keep trusting. Wait for His timing. Avoid rushing ahead of Him because you will not like the consequences. Where do you need to apply this truth today?

30 / Sat – In the meantime…  |  Read Psalm 121:1-2

So what can you do while you are waiting? Here are a few suggestions. Stay alert, notice the little things. Be attentive to the Holy Spirit and what He reveals to you in God’s word. Verbalize your trust in the Lord often, both to Him and to others. Review God’s faithfulness in the past. Give thanks for all He has done and for what He is doing right now. Even when you can’t see it happening. And be patient. Don’t do or say anything without prayerfully thinking it through. Above all, keep looking up, for that is where your help comes from.