Live 5.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/12) – Tuesday

Read about It

Read: Acts 27:20–26, 30–44

The storm continued to rage all around the prisoners and crew. They all were afraid as the storm continued. Some sailors decided to try to escape in lifeboats, but Paul told the commanding officer and the soldiers not to. People would die if those sailors left. God’s protection was for all of them on that boat.

Then Paul told everyone to eat. For two weeks, as the rain fell and the waves crashed, the crew had been so worried that they hadn’t eaten. They needed to eat, even in the face of this danger. After having a meal, they threw cargo overboard to make the ship lighter. What then? The following day, just as Paul had said, the shipwreck occurred. This was their chance to get out of the stormy waters. The ship ran into a shoal, which is a ridge of land underneath the water. The prisoners and crew held onto planks of wood and made it to shore—all 276 people. God kept His promise! Everyone on that boat survived, even with a shipwreck!

How could Paul encourage the people on the boat through the storm? First, he knew that everyone had to stay on the ship. When facing trials, we often try to figure it out on our own. Like the crew, we try to float away in lifeboats and solve our problems. But God says to stay in the middle of His promises and let Him protect you. Second, Paul knew everyone needed to stay healthy and nourished. At first no one ate, which made things worse for them. Taking care of our physical needs—good food, exercise, rest, and fun—can help us stay strong during a challenge. Finally, Paul knew they had to trust that God would provide a way to shore. The storm didn’t stop, but God made a way to escape it. He will always provide a way for you when you trust in Him!