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UNLEASHING YOUR PERSERVERANCE POTENTIAL

Character is not determined when things are going well in your life. Character is determined when the storm hits and the bottom has fallen out. In this chapter Paul is caught up in a great storm. A storm does not determine our character but rather reveals our character. Some people are quitters in life. They started working for the Lord and then gave up. They don't know how to finish. Anyone can persevere when things are going well. Paul knew this was trouble ahead and had warned them not to sail. There are three things that will cause a crisis in your life.

The carnality factor (vs 11). The man of God had spoken but they listened to the captain of the ship. Do you get the information to live your life from the Word of God or some chat show? They were listening to the wrong expert. Be careful where you get your advice from. You crowd factor (vs 12). The majority wanted to sail. The trouble here is that the majority was wrong. The crowd is often wrong. If you want to ruin your life then just follow the crowd. The right direction is usually the opposite direction from the crowd.
The comfort factor (vs 13). They waited until the circumstances were good and then set sail. This is another way to ruin your life. You can's always go by circumstances. It may feel right but it may be wrong. If God says it is wrong, then it is wrong. Circumstances can be deceptive.

1. You need to be determined

You don't get to be the top in your sport with natural ability alone. You need determination to be the best. Otherwise you would "throw in the towel".

2. You need to get to the rewards

Nobody remember quitters. It is the winners who get the rewards. Walt Disney was turned down by 301 banks before he finally got a loan to build Disneyland in Florida. How many of us would have given up after 10 banks? Will you give up or will you persevere? This is the big question.

3. The wrong reactions in the storm

They drifted (vs 15). The wind took the ship and they could not use the rudder. In the midst of the storm you cannot control things and so you just drift and see where the wind takes you. You can't let your hand off the rudder and just drift.
The discarded (vs 18-19). They lightened the ship. They throw stuff overboard. In the midst of a storm we will discard things that we have held precious in their life. We stop going to Church or praying.
The despair (vs 20-22). They had not seen the stars and sun and so they went into despair. All hope was taken away. Is that where you are today? Can you see no hope? God can shine light in the darkness. Have you forgotten. Paul had not forgotten. (vs 21-22). They should have listened to Paul in the first place. However Paul tells them to not give up as no one will lose their life. The ship will be lost but they will survive. God can bring sunshine in the midst of darkness.

4. How to persevere

Find a purpose.
Eliminate your excuses. Stop making excuses. Stop blaming everyone else. What will be done if everyone blames someone else?
It takes resilience. You need to get back up. You need to get back up when you get knocked down. You overcome the impossible by trying. Some people won't even try. You do the best you can.
You need to know where you are. Some people check their weight every day or their blood pressure. How can you do anything about it if you don't check it out every day?
Develop some stamina. Are you a sissy? You do it. It doesn't matter how you feel.
You need some excitement. Get excited about something!
You need some victories under your belt. There is nothing like victory to give you some confidence. This requires some effort. Go beyond what you are able to do.
Take some risks.

5. Some anchors for the storm (vs 29)

We need four anchors. Remember these when you are in the storm.

The presence of the Lord. This is why you don't need to quit. (vs 22). You are not alone in your trials. Praise God!
The purpose of God (vs 24). There is a specific purpose for your storm. You are invincible while you are in the will of God.
The promise of God (vs 25). God is going to do what He says He is going to do. This is why we keep persevering.
The power of God (vs 44). They all escaped safe to land. God does not promise a safe journey but He does promise a safe landing. Do you remember Jesus in the storm? He told to storm to "keep quiet"! God has the power to calm the storm and bring you to safety. God is greater than any storm.