Shipwrecked but Not Forsaken

Inspired by words shared from my brother in Christ, Jonathan Dodge.

Have you ever felt like life just wrecked you? Like you’ve been tossed by storms, abandoned in chaos, and all you can do is hold on? Maybe even the very thing you trusted to carry you has crumbled beneath your feet?

That’s not unfamiliar territory to Paul.

In Acts 27, Paul — a man walking in obedience, filled with the Holy Spirit — is caught in a violent storm, shipwrecked with over 270 others. He had warned them not to set sail, but they didn’t listen. Still, even in their disobedience, God had a purpose.

“But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” – Acts 27:22

Even when people ignore the warnings… even when storms come… God is never caught off guard. What seemed like disaster became divine opportunity. On the island of Malta, Paul was used by God to heal, to minister, and to demonstrate that the power of the Holy Spirit does not sink when the ship does.

Jonathan reminded me: “Do not be angry with God when others make poor decisions. God still works all things for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28)

And here’s the truth: Sometimes you’ve got to crash before you can carry the message. Sometimes the storm is the only path to the place where God intends to use you.

“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

Friend, if you’re in the middle of a wreck right now, hold on. You’re not forsaken. You’re being positioned. What looked like ruin may actually be the route to revival — in you and through you.

Let God be God. Trust Him in the storm. He hasn’t abandoned you — He’s just redirecting your ship for His glory.

Thank you again, Jonathan Dodge, for allowing God to speak through you. Your words reminded me that even when the ship breaks, our Savior never does.

- Rev Carlos Figueroa