God’s Sovereignty in the Storm
Acts 27:14–20 (NASB95)
14But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. 17After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along. 18The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20Since neither 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.
As Paul and his companions face the violent storm at sea, the narrative highlights both the chaos of the situation and God’s sovereign hand at work. The ship is caught in a tempestuous wind, known as Euraquilo, which drives it off course and leaves the crew and passengers helpless. Despite their best efforts to secure the ship and lighten its load, the storm grows so severe that all hope of survival is abandoned. This moment mirrors the story of Jonah, where a storm also served as a divine instrument to reveal God’s power and purpose. However, unlike Jonah, who fled from God’s call, Paul is faithfully following God’s mission. The storm becomes an opportunity for God to demonstrate His control over creation and His ability to preserve His servant for the sake of the Gospel. Paul’s calm presence and trust in God stand in stark contrast to the despair of the crew, foreshadowing the assurance he will soon provide to those aboard.
The storm reminds us that even in the most chaotic and hopeless situations, God is in control and working to fulfill His purposes. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and remain faithful to His mission, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. This passage challenges us to be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us, pointing them to the God who is greater than any storm. As the modern church, let us anchor our faith in God’s promises, knowing that He can use even the most difficult trials to reveal His power and bring glory to His name.