Storm [How Can the Spirit's Sword Help Us Overcome Life's Perils?] - Pastor Wilson

Have you been in a storm, lightning, or thunder? Any of these situations would be a frightening experience. Imagine how much worse it would be on the sea with waves crashing over you while the storm swirls around.

Did you know that Apostle Paul had been in this same situation? If you read Acts 27, you can imagine the crew and passengers getting scattered all around the ship. 

“On the third day, we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up” (verses 18-20).

Despite this, Paul hadn’t given up. As a fact, this was not his first deadly encounter. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, he “received forty stripes minus one” five times from the Jews. He was also beaten thrice with rods, stoned once, and shipwrecked thrice. Aside from these, he had been through a lot more. Nevertheless, he remained firm in his faith.

Amid the storm, Paul managed to stay calm on the ship. He advised the captain with faith-filled words of encouragement and even comforted the passengers. In Acts 27:22-23, he told them, “I urge you to take heart for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to Whom I belong and Whom I serve.”

Significantly, Paul had peace and courage because he had absolute confidence in the Word. He believed that it would be just as God said.

This story reminds us that a relentlessly furious storm is coming. According to the Testimonies for the Church, volume 8, p. 315, the perils of the last days have come. “We need now the sword of the Lord to cut to the very soul and marrow of fleshly lusts, appetites, and passions.” With this, “the thoughts must be centered upon God.”

In addition, we must take the “helmet of salvation” and the “sword of the Spirit.” This sword is the Word of God. It has withstood the test of time over the centuries. Likewise, the prophecies have been fulfilled on time. Consequently, other things will take place, just as the Bible reveals.

However, we don’t need to worry. Revelation 19:10 promises us the wonderful gift of Jesus’ testimony. It is the Spirit of Prophecy, our guide in this end time.

Let us make Jesus the North Pole, the Bible our compass, and the Spirit of Prophecy our light. By then, we can reach our final destination with joy and peace. 

Finally, let us press together as we move forward in mission, proclaiming the three angels’ message and the news that Jesus is coming soon.