A Timely Prayer and Word from God

“All hope that we would be saved was finally given up.” [1]

There were 276 people (mostly prisoners) on the ship. [2]

Paul warned those in charge before they set off to sea, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” But the Roman centurion in-charge was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by Paul. [3]

While at sea, the weather turned bad for many days.

The 276 people on the ship minus one now had no hope of surviving. They stopped eating. In their minds they were about to die. But one among them, Paul, had good news from the Lord for them...

“I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore, take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it had told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” [4]

God had a plan for Paul. He was to be brought before Caesar. And the Lord granted him the lives of everyone on the ship in answer to his prayers for them. Paul believed!

Next, Paul urged them to eat. They were so stressed that they had not eaten for 14 days. He told them, “This is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged and took food themselves.” [5]

After the ship struck rocks near to an island and began to break apart, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners lest they escape. “But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose.” He commanded the prisoners to jump overboard and swim to land. Everyone escaped safely to land. [6]

How many people are living without hope today? They are not eating or sleeping properly. They need a “Paul” to pray for them. They need a “Paul” to speak words from Jesus to them.

“Heavenly Father, here we are, please use our lives to pray for them and to give them a timely word in due season. For this we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

[1] Acts 27:21
[2] Acts 27:37
[3] Acts 27:10-11
[4] Acts 27:21-26
[5] Acts 27:33-36
[6] Acts 27:42-44