“Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Ceasar! What’s more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.”Acts 27:24, NLT
Sometimes a setback is rooted in your own actions. You made a mistake or hurt another person. Maybe you disobeyed God, and even though nothing you do can remove you from His love, you’re now facing a storm because of your choices.
However, sometimes the storms you face in life are caused by other people’s poor decisions – or even their sins.
Acts 27 gives us a dramatic example of suffering a setback caused by the foolish choices of others. Paul had been put on trial unfairly for crimes he didn’t commit. He was a Roman citizen, and he had the opportunity to appeal Ceasar, which meant going to Rome.
On the way to Rome, the prison ship carrying Paul hit a storm. That storm didn’t sidetrack God’s purpose for Paul. The angel told Paul he’d one day stand before Ceasar and share his testimony. God’s purpose wouldn’t be prevented by the poor choices of others. The storm in your life doesn’t have to sidetrack God’s purpose for you. God’s purpose is greater than any setback you’ll ever go through. God is always in control; he doesn’t answer to anyone.
God doesn’t need a “Plan B” for your life. Hitting a setback – whether it’s your fault or someone else’s – doesn’t man God’s purpose for you is ruined. God saw the disaster coming, and He is more than able to fit it into His plans.
When another person’s decision turns your life upside down, God uses it for His glory. When someone else’s mistake puts you in a difficult situation, God works through it anyway. When you feel like you’ve lost everything, God does the incredible so you can do the impossible.