Hope in the Darkness

Ps David Jones

Sunday Morning’s message 26th of October 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCg-gBMhj_M

Leaders note:

This study is a guide—use it flexibly. Adapt the questions and follow the flow of your group. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and create space for God to move as you grow together.

Acts 27:9–20 (NIV) “ Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them,10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.12 Since the harbour was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbour in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island.15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure,17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along.18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”

This moment in Acts captures the raw feeling of hopelessness that can come when life’s storms rage. The crew were battered by wind and waves, lost their bearings, and were surrounded by darkness with no stars to guide them. It’s a vivid picture of how many people feel today—adrift, uncertain, and ready to give up hope. Even when surrounded by others, we can still feel trapped in our own storm.

But in the middle of this darkness, God was not absent. Though the sailors had lost sight of the sun and stars, God still saw them. His plan for Paul—and for everyone on that ship—was still unfolding. The same is true for us. Even when we can’t see the light, the Light of the World, Jesus, never stops shining.

Discuss:

• Can you relate to a time when you felt “lost at sea” or surrounded by darkness?

• Why do you think hopelessness can creep in even when we know God’s promises?

• What difference does it make to remember that Jesus is “the light of the world” in dark times?

Encouragement Lights the Way

Acts 27:21- 26 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: ‘Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ 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.” ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.’

When fear and despair threaten to take over, encouragement becomes a light in the darkness. Paul stands up in a moment of chaos and speaks courage into the hearts of everyone on board. His faith gave him perspective—the storm wasn’t the end. Encouragement is contagious; it rekindles courage in others and shifts our focus from the problem to the promise.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to be encouragers. Romans 12:8 reminds us that encouragement is a spiritual gift. Even when we feel weary ourselves, speaking hope to others can strengthen our own hearts. Like David in Psalm 42:11, we can remind ourselves to “put your hope in God” and keep praising Him, even when the storm hasn’t yet passed.

Encouragement from God’s Word

Romans 15:4 NIV - For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope

Paul’s courage didn’t come from wishful thinking—it came from a word from God. In the darkest night, God reminded him of His promise and purpose. Scripture is filled with these same words of life for us today. Romans 15:4 says that the Word was written to teach and encourage us so that “we might have hope.” When we immerse ourselves in God’s truth, light breaks through our darkness.

God’s Word anchors us when emotions fluctuate. It reminds us of who God is and what He has promised. Like a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105), His Word shows the next step, even if it doesn’t yet reveal the whole journey. Hope grows when we listen to what God has said rather than what fear is saying.

Discuss:

• How can we build a habit of turning to God’s Word to see the light?

• Why do you think God often reminds us not to be afraid before revealing His plans?

• Why are we required to ‘endure’?

Hold On to the Promise

Acts 27:24 (NIV) “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.”

Even in chaos, God’s promise remained firm—Paul would stand before Caesar. The storm could wreck the ship, but it couldn’t wreck God’s plan. When life feels uncertain, we need to cling to the promises God has spoken over us. His word to Paul wasn’t just reassurance; it was a declaration that destiny would prevail over disaster.

Our faith is strengthened when we remember that God’s promises are not fragile. They withstand every storm. Whether we’re praying for breakthrough, healing, or restoration, holding onto even one promise can sustain our hearts until the dawn comes. God never forgets what He has spoken.

Discuss:

Verse 24 calls for us to remember the promises of God.

• What promises are in God’s Word?

• What promises have you had over you and your life?

• How can you hold onto these promises?

Pray for a New Day

Acts 27:29 (NIV) “Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV - Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’

In the pitch-black night, the sailors prayed for daylight. It’s a simple but powerful picture—when we can’t fix the storm, we can still pray for the dawn. Sometimes all we can do is anchor ourselves in God’s faithfulness and wait for morning. Lamentations 3:22–24 reminds us that His mercies are “new every morning.” The night may be long, but morning always comes.

Prayer invites hope to rise again. It shifts our focus from fear to faith, from what’s lost to what’s possible. God hears the prayers whispered in the dark and meets us with fresh strength for a new day. Even when we can’t see the light yet, we can trust that He’s already bringing it.

Discuss:

• What does it look like to “pray for daylight” in your own life right now?

• How have you seen God bring a new day after a dark season?

• What are some practical ways to keep hope alive while you wait?

  
  

 Cast Your Cares upon Jesus

Acts 27:38 (NIV) “When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.”

1 Peter 5:7 NIV - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

As the sailors prepared for the final part of their journey, they threw the cargo overboard. It was a moment of surrender—letting go of what weighed them down so they could stay afloat. Sometimes we need to do the same. We can’t carry everything. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Letting go is an act of trust. When we give our burdens to Jesus, we make room for peace and rest. The storms of life don’t disappear overnight, but the load becomes lighter when we stop trying to control what only God can handle. As we release our worries, hope rises again.

Discuss:

• What burdens do you need to “throw overboard” and give to God?

• Why do we sometimes hold onto worries even when we know Jesus cares for us?

• How can you practise “lightening the load” in your faith journey this week?

Prayer

I encourage you to support one another as you lift and storms and burdens revealed to God in prayer. May the Holy Spirit guide you through to truth and light.