The Essential Question (Part 10): Paul's Journey to RomeSample

The Shipwreck Moment

Prepare: Have you ever been on a boat or ship that encountered rough waters or even a storm? What was it like, and how did you feel?

Read: Acts 27:27-44

Reflect: There comes the point in any ministry effort when it feels like things have crashed. I call it "the shipwreck moment." Sometimes it's the result of bad planning, sometimes you get overwhelmed by uncontrollable variables, sometimes you meet with spiritual opposition, and sometimes internal discord swamps your efforts. But the reality is, when you serve God, shipwrecks happen.

I remember being part of a team that organized an evangelistic event in a maximum-security prison. We wanted to present the gospel to the entire prison population, not just the chapel regulars. So we lined up Stevie Wonder to give a concert, followed by the late Chuck Colson to preach the gospel. It seemed like a great plan until I found myself in the prison gymnasium surrounded by five hundred rowdy maximum security inmates and only a few guards by the doors. Stevie Wonder's music emboldened the inmates to a near-riot, and our team was lucky to get out unhurt.

In contrast, Paul's shipwreck moment led to two very positive outcomes. The first was the survival of all 276 passengers. Already on this trip, we've seen Paul's spiritual leadership. Here he continued by commanding the sailors not to abandon ship and encouraging them to gain strength by eating; he even set the example by calmly, prayerfully beginning the meal himself (27:31-35). But notice that Paul's spiritual leadership was not an excuse for mutiny; he was respectful of the centurion, allowing him to make the final decision (27:31). Those in ministry must be careful not to let spiritual jargon mask a power-play motive. Paul didn't need to force his will on Julius because he knew God was working in the chaos (27:23-24).

The second positive outcome was the increasing faith of those on board. They were sure desperate, and they were probably beginning to recognize Paul's natural leadership ability. But some also seemed to take a tentative step of faith; the soldiers trusted Paul's prophetic word and jettisoned the lifeboats (27:32). When you reach the point of no return, you're ready to take a step of faith.

I still remember Chuck Colson preaching about the two thieves on the cross despite the dicey situation in that prison gym years ago. Given his own history as a Watergate felon, it was a message Chuck could deliver with great conviction. Maybe the event didn't go as we planned, but even so, I'm still thankful that every inmate in that maximum security prison did hear the gospel. The good thing about the shipwreck moment is that it opens the way for God to accomplish his purposes, his way.

Apply: What have you learned from the shipwreck moments in your life? Are you facing such a moment now? What lessons from your past or this passage can you apply to your present situation?