Pastor’s Perspective: The Euroclydon Storm

Dear Calvary family,
One of the common questions in the church is, what is the will of God for my life? God’s general will for every believer is already revealed in scripture, and sometimes He reveals a more specific layer of that will, and then from time to time, God will reveal a much more detailed set of desires or instructions to one of His children- we see this in the life of Paul.

Last week in Acts 26, Paul spoke of the call of God while on the road to Damascus, he was to be a witness and a minister for Christ. In chapter 13, the Holy Spirit set Paul apart to travel to other areas to preach, and in Acts 23:11, God spoke to Paul at night to encourage him and informed him that he will be taking the gospel to Rome. But even with these instructions, very little details were given. It was the plan of God for the great Apostle Paul to walk by faith, and so it is with us!
 
In Sunday’s study of Acts 27, Paul finally begins his journey to Rome, but as a prisoner. Everything about this trip was grueling; the winds were contrary, over and over again they had trouble sailing, Paul’s warnings to the captain were rejected, then they experienced to great “Euroclydon”- a tremendous northeaster that brought 14 straight days of pounding upon the 250-man vessel. In verse 20, Luke writes “And since neither the 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.” For many, hopelessness felt worse than death, but Paul had a promise from God- you’re going to Rome.
 
Have you experienced a Euroclydon of some kind? Are you going through one today? May we all be encouraged by the promises of God not to abandon His people, even in death. And when the will of God surprises us, and hopelessness gnaws on our minds, it’s best we trust the captain of our soul, and rest in His plan to bring us safely to Himself, in His time, in His way.

Some storms of life are brought about by our foolish engagement in the world- may we repent. Some storms come to test our faith- remain steadfast in our firm conviction of His Word. Some Euroclydon’s are stirred by God to spiritually awaken those around us- embrace it. May all the storms that come to us, ultimately bring glory to our God, even when it hurts!
 
Help spread the word concerning our 2 special Christmas services:
* This Wed evening, 6:30 “Family Christmas Gathering” – Children’s nativity and more(Bring a snack to share afterwards in the Overflowing Cup)
* Christmas Eve, 5:00-6:00 PM – Formal attire, candle lighting, communion and reverent worship of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
 
See you on Sunday!
Pastor Marv