Surviving The Shipwreck – God’s presence, faithfulness, and promises sustain us through life’s storms. 1. Storms are Inevitable, But God is Sovereign (vv. 27–29) 27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. Acts 27:27-29 (NIV) 2. Stay in the Ship: Obedience Saves Lives (vv. 30–32) 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away. Acts 27:30-32 (NIV) 3. Encourage Others and Trust God’s Promises (vv. 33–38) 33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, "you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food–you haven't eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. Acts 27:33-38 (NIV) 4. God Delivers – Even on Broken Pieces (vv. 39–44) 39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. 42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety. Acts 27:39-44 (NIV) Romans 8:28 — “God works all things together for good to those who love Him.” Genesis 50:20 — “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 — “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.” James 1:2–4 — “Trials produce perseverance and maturity.” Isaiah 46:10 — “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” 2 Timothy 4:18 — “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” Where might God be using a broken season to bring about your breakthrough in trusting in Him? My Next Right Steps, I Will: Trust God’s purpose isn’t sunk by life’s storms Accept Jesus as My Savior and Lord Be baptized as a believer in Jesus Christ TALK IT OVER Welcome & Prayer: Invite God’s Spirit to guide the discussion. Big Idea: God can use the wrecks of life to reveal His power and preserve His plan. Icebreaker – “Shipwreck Moments” Share a moment in your life when something important didn’t go according to plan — a “shipwreck moment.” How did God meet you in that season, even if it didn’t look like you expected? Read Aloud: Acts 27:27–44 1. Sometimes You Must Lose the Ship to Save Your Soul (vv. 27–32) Paul warned the sailors not to abandon the ship. They had to cut the ropes to the lifeboat and trust God’s word through Paul. Discussion Questions: Why do you think we often cling to “lifeboats” of control or comfort when life feels unstable? Have you ever experienced a time when letting go actually brought freedom or growth? What does it look like for you to “cut the ropes” and trust God’s plan right now? Takeaway: Sometimes you have to let go of what’s safe to hold onto what’s sacred. 2. Broken Seasons Often Bring Breakthrough Opportunities (vv. 33–38) In the midst of panic, Paul takes bread, gives thanks, and encourages everyone to eat. His gratitude brings peace in chaos — a powerful witness in the storm. Why is gratitude so powerful in difficult circumstances? How can we model faith and calm for others when life feels out of control? What is one thing you can thank God for right now, even if life still feels uncertain? Takeaway: Gratitude turns panic into perspective — worship is a weapon in the storm. 3. Trust That God’s Purpose Isn’t Sunk by Life’s Storms (vv. 39–44) The ship breaks apart, but everyone reaches land safely — exactly as God promised. Even when plans fall apart, God’s purpose sails on. How have you seen God’s plan prevail even after something in your life fell apart? Why is it hard to trust that God still has a purpose when the “shipwreck” feels final? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help you face current uncertainty? Takeaway: God’s purpose never sinks — even when our plans do. Group Reflection: Which truth encouraged you most — letting go, finding gratitude, or trusting His purpose? What might God want to reveal through your storm, not just after it? Next Steps: Each morning this week, thank God for one thing you’ve learned from a past storm. Identify one “lifeboat” you’re tempted to cling to and pray for courage to release it. Memorize Acts 27:44 — “In this way everyone reached land safely.” LEADER FACILITATION GUIDE Welcome & Prayer: Invite God’s Spirit to guide the discussion. Purpose: Help your group see that God’s plan is never destroyed by life’s disasters — He often does His greatest work through the wreckage. Leader Prep:Read Acts 27:27–44 and reflect on how Paul’s faith steadied others. Be prepared to share a personal example of a “shipwreck” God used for good. Pray for discernment — some members may be walking through real pain right now. Session Flow (60–75 minutes): Welcome & Icebreaker (10 min) Use humor or empathy: “We’ve all had plans that sank!” Encourage authenticity — honesty builds connection. Scripture Reading (5 min) Read Acts 27:27–44 together. Ask: “What words or emotions stood out to you?” Discussion (40–45 min) Walk through the three sections. Use follow-up questions like: -“What does this story teach us about God’s control when life feels chaotic?” -“How might gratitude change your perspective this week?” Keep circling back to hope and purpose — storms are real, but God is greater. Reflection & Application (10 min) Invite each person to finish this sentence: “In my storm, I’m learning to trust God by _______.” Encourage journaling or texting that statement to themselves as a reminder. Prayer (5–10 min) Pray for those currently in “shipwreck” seasons. Thank God for His presence, power, and purpose in every storm. Consider reading Romans 8:28 aloud as a closing prayer of confidence. Leader Tips: Lead gently: Shipwrecks represent loss. Allow emotion, but point toward hope. Affirm small steps: Even voicing gratitude in pain is spiritual progress. Keep Jesus central: Paul’s calm came from trusting the Captain of his soul — remind the group that Christ is the anchor. Use visuals: You could place a small anchor or rope on the table as a reminder that our hope holds even when everything else breaks. Leader Prayer Prompt: “Lord, thank You that Your plans never sink. When storms rise and ships break, help us trust the Captain who never loses His course. Teach us to release what we can’t control, give thanks in what we can’t understand, and believe that Your purpose still stands. Amen.”