5 Lessons – How to Survive a Shipwreck.

If you’re walking through a storm right now—emotionally, mentally, physically—take a deep breath and be encouraged. The story of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27–28 is more than a historical account; it’s a message of hope for anyone feeling stressed, uncertain, or stuck.

Paul and 275 others were caught in a brutal storm at sea. For fourteen days, they were in suspense. They couldn’t see the sun or stars. They hadn’t eaten. All hope seemed lost. Some of the crew even tried to abandon ship. Maybe you’ve felt like doing the same—just letting go, giving up, or checking out emotionally. But in that darkest moment, Paul stood up and shared what God had shown him.

He said, “Men, you should have listened to me… but now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” He shared a word from an angel of God: “Do not be afraid, Paul… God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:21–24)

Even in the chaos, God saw every person. Not a single hair would be lost. And in the end, though the ship was wrecked, everyone arrived safely on shore.

Maybe you feel like parts of your life have shipwrecked—your plans, your peace, or your hope. But just like in this story, God is not finished with you. Here are 5 keys to help with stress, based on this powerful account:

1. Hear a word from God

In the middle of the storm, Paul heard from God. When everything else felt out of control, God’s word anchored him. In times of stress, turn to Scripture, prayer, or wise, faith-filled people who remind you of truth. God is still speaking peace to your heart.

2. Start eating the food of encouragement

Paul urged everyone to eat and take courage. “Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head,” he said. He then broke bread, gave thanks, and began to eat. Eating in faith, even in a storm, is powerful. Feed yourself daily with God’s promises. Speak life over yourself. Encourage your spirit with what nourishes you.

3. The ship may break—but it will be replaced

They lost the ship, but not their purpose. Sometimes, the thing you were depending on—your plan, your routine, your expectations—might break apart. But that’s not the end of the story. God has a new path waiting. The ship is not your source—God is.

4. Someone will light a fire

After the shipwreck, they arrived on an unfamiliar island. And the first thing the islanders did? They lit a fire for them (Acts 28:2). This is where we see a deeper message: it’s time to fan your own fire into flame.

Paul later writes in 2 Timothy 1:6, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” The fire on the island reminds us: you still have a gift inside you, even after the storm. Don’t let it go cold.

Fanning your gift into flame might look like:

• Picking up your instrument or pen again.
• Returning to prayer or work.
• Volunteering, encouraging others, or starting a passion project.
• Speaking up with boldness when you’d usually stay silent.
• Taking one small step toward something God put on your heart.

Even if your surroundings feel unfamiliar, God can send strangers to bless you—and He can reignite the fire within you.

5. You will be treated with unusual kindness

The people on the island didn’t reject the survivors—they welcomed them with warmth and kindness. God has people waiting to help you, even in places you don’t expect. Healing, provision, and favor can show up in unexpected places, through unexpected people.

So if you’re tired, scared, or uncertain:

• Listen for God’s voice.
• Feed yourself with courage.
• Trust that what was lost will be restored.
• Fan your gift back into flame.
• And watch how God surrounds you with kindness, even after the storm.

You will arrive safely. Not a hair will be lost. And the fire in you will burn again.