
The Story 2024
Paul in the VUCA
August 18, 2024
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch
VUCA stands for…
Volatility
Unpredictability
Complexity
Ambiguity
How Paul Handled the VUCA
- He placed his faith in what God had told him.
Acts 27:22-26 (NIV)
“But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
A word from God doesn’t change every circumstance, but it can change how you face the circumstance.
- He served and met the needs of others in the moment and did so with gratitude to God.
Acts 27:33-36 (NIV)
Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food – you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
- He didn’t waver in his purpose.
Acts 28:30-31 (NIV)
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance!
Sometimes the glory of God is revealed through the transforming of our circumstances, and other times it’s revealed through us transcending our circumstances.
Acts 27:35-36 (NIV)
After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.