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Find Joy in the Journey

Overcoming Storms, Shipwrecks, and Delays | Summer Road Trip Part 1

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Tom Mullins

July 11, 2022

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.


Start Talking –
Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

  • What are your plans for a vacation this summer? Is it a staycation or a road trip?
  • Looking back on your childhood, what was a memorable road trip your family took? What do you remember that was great, and what do you remember that was funny or surprising?

Keep Reading: Read the scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

Read these Scriptures out loud:

Acts 27: 13-15, 18-26, 31-38, 42-44

  • This is the story of Paul’s trip to Rome. He has been a prisoner for about two years already. As he finally sets sail for Rome, a host of troubles arise, ultimately leading to the entire crew being shipwrecked near the island of Malta. But during this unexpected storm, God reassures Paul he will make it to Rome.
  • Describe a time in your life when things were supposed to go a certain way, but it didn’t work out as originally planned. As you reflect now, what did you learn from that experience?

Keep Talking: Choose questions to create openness.

How can we deal with the delays and detours in life? We should remember:

1. Storms are a reality.

  • Read John 16:33, Hebrews 13:5, and Isaiah 43:1-2. Pastor Tom shared that these verses encourage us because when (not ‘if’) we go through tough times, God will always be with us. As Pastor Tom said, “Storms are a reality, but we are not facing them alone!” Which of these three passages is most meaningful to you and why?
  • Share a storm you went through recently. Was it because of any decisions you made, or was it just circumstantial? As Pastor Tom said, how does Paul remind us that no matter how dark it gets, we should always look to a “greater reality?”

2. Storms force us to lighten our loads.

  • Read Hebrews 12:1. Pastor Tom shared that storms cause us to reevaluate what is essential. Describe a time when you did this during a storm. What did you discover was most essential and why?
  • During the sermon, Pastor Tom had a friend come on the platform and help him lighten his load. How can friends help us as we attempt to do this during a storm?

3. Storms reveal our limitations.

  • Acts 27:18-20 says the storm got so bad that they couldn’t even see the sun or stars for many days, which means they had no way to navigate the ship. But Paul had an angel of God reassure him they would make it to Rome. How did this “messenger” and his message encourage everyone?
  • Our “message” today is the Word of God. Pastor Tom said while we are in a storm, the Word of God can give us:

­ – Encouragement

­ – Comfort

­ – Guidance

­ – Hope

Share a time when God’s Word did one or several of these things for you during a fierce storm.

  • Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 from the Message translation (if possible). How does this verse help someone who has lost hope understand that it can be restored?

4. In storms it matters who we travel with.

  • Acts 27 vividly demonstrates how Paul’s faith was a source of hope for the entire crew! Who has been a great help to you during a recent storm? How did their faith encourage and lift you?
  • What did Pastor Tom say FOG is? How can participating in church and its various ministries regularly ensure FOG “gets on us?”

5. Storms drive us to seek refuge.

  • The entire crew eventually made it to the island of Malta, which is ironically an ancient Phoenician word meaning “refuge.” Think back to a storm you’ve gone through. What “island of refuge” did God lead you to?
  • Read Psalm 46:1, Philippians 4:6-7, and Psalm 18:30. These passages tell us that we can seek refuge in God through prayer, His Word, and in God’s family (the Church). Which of these three has been most valuable to you as you’ve faced various storms?

6. Storms may delay you, but they cannot detour you from God’s will for your life.

  • Acts 28 verifies it – although it took many more months than it should have, Paul arrived in Rome! Read Romans 8:28 and describe how this verse can be a source of encouragement and hope for you today, whether you’re in a storm or not.
  • Pastor Tom said, “Our storms of life can be our greatest witnessing tool.” How has a storm you’ve gone through been an opportunity for you to share the Gospel with someone else?

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

Here are some possible next steps for you:

  • Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? If you’ve never made a personal decision for Him, that is your first step to ensure God is with you in the storms of life. Speak with someone today about how to do that, or connect with us for more information on how to do this.
  • Is there someone you know who is going through a storm, and God wants you to reach out to them this week? What should you do today to connect with them?
  • If you are a believer going through a fierce storm, we want to come alongside you. Here are some resources we would like to send your way.
  • S.O.A.P out the Scripture this week.

Keep Praying

  • Prayer for everyone in the group.

Keep Praising

“Heaven In The Room”

“You Hold It All Together” – Maverick City Music

“It Is Well” - Hymn

Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

Keep Up with What's Happening at Christ Fellowship.