We all have dreams and goals, things we know God has promised us. We start off excited. We're sailing along fine, making progress, then a storm arises—a sickness, a breakup, we lose a loved one, a contract falls through. It's easy to get discouraged and think it's never going to happen. But God doesn't promise something and then change His mind. You may not see a way, but God hasn't run out of options. Storms come to us all, but God is supernatural. He's in control of the winds that try to stop you.
The apostle Paul was a prisoner on a boat headed to Rome where he was to stand on trial before Caesar when a huge storm arose with hurricane force winds. For fourteen days it didn't let up. The boat was so torn up that it was taking on water. The crew started throwing the cargo and supplies overboard. The Scripture says, "All hope was gone." They were convinced they were going to die. But in the midst of this storm, an angel appeared to Paul and said, "Don't be afraid. You must stand trial before Caesar" (Acts 27:24).
Paul had this promise that he would make it to Rome, but the winds, the waves, and the crew said he was going to die. Sometimes what God promises looks just the opposite of what we see. "God, You said I would get well, but all I see is sickness. You said I would lend and not borrow, but I see debt. You said my children would be mighty in the land, but I see compromise." You can't be moved by your circumstances; you have to be moved by what you know God spoke to you.
When it looked impossible, Paul said to the crew, "It's going to be all right. God promised that not only I would stand before Caesar, but that everyone sailing with me would be saved." The key is in verse 25: "I believe it will be just as God said." You have to mix faith with His promises. When Paul told the crew they were all going to be saved, he was speaking life in the face of death, victory in the midst of defeat. What you're saying in the storm has a great impact on whether or not you get out. In the middle of the storm, you need to declare what God promised. "I'm coming out. I don't see a way, but I'm not moved by what I see. I believe what God said will come to pass. I will get well. I will prosper and succeed. My children will serve the Lord." Get in agreement with God.