Caught In the Storm Handout
- sanctuaryofpraise5
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Bishop Russell Drake Key Truth
Storms are a part of life. They do not wait on our schedule, they do not respect persons, and they do not indicate that God is picking on us. While some storms are unavoidable, others are the result of ignored warnings. What matters most is how we respond when we are caught in the storm.
“For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” — Matthew 5:45
I. Understanding the Nature of Storms
Storms can arrive suddenly and without warning.
Being unprepared often makes storms more difficult.
Storms do not discriminate by status, race, or circumstance.
Storms may affect one area while peace exists nearby.
Storms are temporary, but they are inevitable.
Truth:
We cannot stop living or moving forward simply because we are in a storm.
II. Saul Before the Storm — When He Was the Storm
Text: Acts 7–8
Saul consented to Stephen’s death (Acts 7:58–8:1).
He made havoc of the church, imprisoning believers (Acts 8:3).
Why Saul Had Authority
Pharisee trained under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3)
Agent of the High Priest and Sanhedrin (Acts 9:1–2)
Operating within Jewish legal authority
Religious prosecutor, not a vigilante (Acts 8:3; Acts 26:9–11)
Truth:
Saul had calm in his life—but he was spiritually blind.
III. Conversion — The Storm Begins
Text: Acts 9:3–6
Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus.
He is struck blind and must be led.
His worldview is shattered in a single moment.
Key Verses
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
“I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” — Acts 9:16
Truth:
The storm did not begin until Saul aligned with Christ.
IV. New Sight Comes Through New Birth
Text: Acts 9:17–18
Saul receives his sight.
He is filled with the Holy Ghost.
He is baptized in Jesus’ name.
Truth:
New birth does not reveal everything at once, but it allows us to see clearly enough to follow God.
V. Storms in Paul’s Ministry
1. Threats on His Life
Plot to kill him in Damascus (Acts 9:23–25)
2. Rejection by the Church
Feared and doubted in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26)
Accepted through Barnabas’ advocacy (Acts 9:27)
3. Physical Violence
Stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19–20)
He rises, returns, and continues preaching (Acts 14:20–21)
4. Imprisonment and Praise
Beaten and jailed in Philippi (Acts 16:22–24)
Prayer and praise bring deliverance (Acts 16:25–26)
Truth:
Paul endured the storm, and when it passed—he kept moving forward.
VI. The Eye of the Storm
Facts About the Eye
The calmest place in the storm
Surrounded by the most dangerous winds (the eyewall)
Exists only in mature, organized storms
Always moving forward
Calm is temporary—anchoring is essential
Spiritual Truth
God does not always remove the storm, but He provides peace in the middle of it.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” — Isaiah 26:3
VII. Storms We Create Ourselves
Text: Acts 27:9–11
Paul warns of danger ahead.
The warning is ignored.
The storm comes anyway.
“Ye should have hearkened unto me…” — Acts 27:21
Truth:
Some storms come not from disobedience, but from ignored instruction.
Final Application
Don’t lose your mind in the storm.
Keep your mind stayed on Him.
Don’t camp in survival mode—keep moving forward.
Learn to listen before the storm worsens.
Closing Thought
If you are caught in a storm today, slow down, listen, trust God, and allow Him to lead you through it.
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