Don't Stop: Part 2 - "It Will Happen" with Steven Furtick - LifeChurch.tv

It Will Happen

Scripture References

Primary text

• Acts 27:9
• Acts 27:13
• Acts 27:18
• Acts 27:21
• Acts 27:22
• Acts 27:23
• Acts 27:24
• Acts 27:26
• Acts 27:41

Other references

• Hebrews 10:36

Overview

God finishes what He starts. Using Paul’s storm-tossed voyage in Acts 27, Pastor Steven challenged us to steer our lives by the Spirit, not by our senses, and to keep our courage when the boat we trusted breaks apart. Though the route may change, God’s purpose for us “will happen” as we obey Him, hold to His word, and keep moving— even if we have to reach shore on broken pieces.

Context

This is week 2 of the “Don’t Stop” series. Last week focused on “Don’t stop on six.” Today moves from marching around walls to surviving a storm—showing that perseverance is needed not only when we are advancing, but also when life pushes us backward.

Main Points

1. Voices on the Boat — What Are You Steering By?

• The Centurion trusted the pilot and owner instead of Paul, ignoring God’s warning (Acts 27:9-11).
• Every life is steered by something; we choose between our senses (what seems reasonable) and the Spirit (what God says).
• Obedience is ours; outcome is God’s. If everything must “make sense,” we will never know deep faith.

2. Driven Along — The Cost of Ignoring God’s Warnings

• A gentle south wind looked promising but became a hurricane (Acts 27:13-15).
• Illustration: life can feel like progress while heading toward disaster.
• The sailors threw cargo, tackle, even lifeboats overboard yet were still “driven along” (vv. 18-20).
• Many of us drift in distress, then despair, deciding “this is just how it is.”

3. “But Now” — The Turning Point of Faith

• After long hunger and darkness Paul stood up:

  “But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost.”

• We cannot change past decisions, but now we can choose faith and courage.
• God often speaks through storms to reclaim our attention.

4. Hope in the Right Place — God’s Purpose vs. Our Plan

• The angel assured Paul he “must stand trial before Caesar” (Acts 27:24).
• The ship would be destroyed, but every person would be saved (v. 22).
• If our hope is in the boat (method), it sinks with the boat; hope must be in God’s promise.

5. Keep Swimming — Reaching Shore on Pieces

• The ship ran aground; some swam, others floated on planks (vv. 41-44).

  “Sometimes God has to break your boat so your hope can float to the surface.”

• Last week was “keep marching”; this week is “just keep swimming.” Whatever stroke you can manage, move forward.

6. God Finishes What He Starts

• Paul’s confidence: “It will happen just as He told me” (v. 25).
• Hebrews 10:36 reminds us that perseverance brings the promise.
• “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” God’s purpose outlives broken plans.

Key Truths

• Ignoring God’s warnings may feel like progress for a season, but the wind eventually turns against us.
• Faith chooses divine direction over human calculation.
• Courage is often the only factor we can control in a storm.
• God may allow the method to fail so we learn to trust the Maker.
• What God starts, God completes; His purpose “will happen,” though seldom in the way we expected.

Response

• Examine what voices are steering your decisions; realign with God’s word.
• Repent where you have ignored warnings and ask God for a “but now” restart.
• Replace boat-focused hope with God-focused faith; hold courage, not circumstances.
• Persevere—march, sail, swim, or float—but do not quit.
• Invite someone to experience God’s grace this Easter.

Closing

The storm may rage, the boat may break, but God stands beside you and His purpose remains. Keep your courage; let the broken pieces carry you if they must.

“I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.”

Prayer

The congregation prayed a salvation prayer together, confessing Jesus as the Son of God, receiving His forgiveness, new life, and purpose, and committing to follow Him from this day forward.