Part 1: When A Setback Isn't Your Fault
COMEBACK: RISING ABOVE SETBACKS
PART - 1
LESSONS ABOUT SETBACKS TO REMEMBER:
There are no comebacks without setbacks.
Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
Setbacks are the stepping stones to your future.
Acts 27:1-44
1. WHAT CAUSES US TO MAKE POOR CHOICES THAT LEAD TO SETBACKS AND STORMS?
When we listen to ungodly advice.
“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, ‘Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.’”
Acts 27:9-10 (NIV)
“But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.”
Acts 27:11 (NIV)
When we copy everybody else instead of asking God.
“Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.”
Acts 27:12 (NIV)
When we depend on circumstances instead of God.
“A soft wind from the south began to blow, and the men thought that they could carry out their plan, so they pulled up the anchor and sailed as close as possible along the coast of Crete. But soon a very strong wind—the one called ‘Northeaster’ blew down from the island.”
Acts 27:13-14 (GNT)
2. HOW CAN I ANCHOR MY LIFE IN A STORM?
1st Anchor: Remember God is with me; He hasn’t left me.
“After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: ‘Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me.’”
Acts 27:21-23 (NIV)
2nd Anchor: Remember God’s purpose is greater than my setback or storm.
“For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’”
Acts 27:23-24 (NLT)
3rd Anchor: Remember God’s promises can be trusted.
“So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
Acts 27:25-26 (NIV)
“But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.”
Acts 27:43-44 (NIV)
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS TO:
Do this week’s YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan: “Quick Question: Why Do Bad Things Happen?” (10 day plan).
Check out this week’s blog or podcast: “Setbacks: Not My Fault”
Serve somewhere on Comeback Sunday, August 15th, or during the week at For Midland Week.
Get more information about our next Baptism Day on August 1st.
NOTES:
Comeback Sunday--August 15th:
Attend in person or online.
Give financially - any amount.
Serve - somewhere Sunday or during the week at “For Midland Week”.
Invite someone to attend in person or online.