When Challenges Come, Pt. 4: We Tend to Abandon What was Dear to Us
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Rev. Enoch Thompson | May 6 2026 | Acts 27:13-18
KEY VERSE: “We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.” (Acts 27:18, NIV)
MESSAGE:
On life’s journey, we carry cargo, principles, relationships, and possessions that we value. When trouble comes, we are sometimes forced to throw these aside to survive. After ignoring Paul’s warning, the sailors relied on human wisdom and now found themselves in a boisterous storm, the dreaded Northeaster, a violent storm that turned hope into desperate survival.
So fierce was the storm that the crew threw precious cargo overboard. What once symbolised profit and success became a liability. Sad to say, many life journeys have been like this. When we heed voices other than God’s voice, storms we could have avoided may arise. They damage relationships, compromise integrity, rob peace, waste resources, and may even bring death. Worst of all, intimacy with God suffers.
Yet not every storm comes from disobedience. Sometimes, even in God’s will, storms are permitted to force reflection and realignment. They strip away misplaced priorities and wrong cargo that we have brought on board. They teach us that nothing is more precious than obedience and life in Christ.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Let go of anything hindering your growth in Christ. Value eternal treasures above temporary possessions. Encourage others to see storms as moments of reflection and realignment before God.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me release what I cannot keep and hold fast to You alone. Teach me to value obedience above possessions and Your presence above all else. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: CARGO Ekbolē is the Greek word behind the action connected to the cargo in Acts 27:18. It means a throwing out, casting away, or jettisoning. The NIV uses “cargo” to show what the sailors began to throw overboard during the violent storm.
The cargo had value. It represented investment, trade, expectation, and gain. Yet the storm made it too heavy to keep. This word helps us examine what we carry through life. Some things may appear useful, profitable, or dear to us, yet they can become weights when they weaken obedience, peace, faith, or life in Christ.
Reflect on this:
Ask God to show you what you are carrying. What has become too heavy for your walk with Christ? Hold fast to Him. Life in Christ is greater than every cargo you may have to release.
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