Shipwrecked

They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

(Acts 28:10)

What happens when our lives become shipwrecked? What is our response when we find ourselves in situations that exhaust every fiber of our existence? After thoroughly analyzing a passage of Scripture, Acts 28, I noticed a simple remedy for disabling shipwrecked periods in my life.

When your life becomes shipwrecked, you must exercise your spiritual senses to understand what is happening. For instance, after spending 14 days on the Mediterranean Sea in a hurricane, Paul found himself shipwrecked on the island of Malta with 275 other victims. Yet, he understood that he was where God wanted him at that time while journeying to Rome as a prisoner. Subsequently, Paul used this opportunity to serve the inhabitants of Malta instead of praying the why me questions to God. As a substitute, Paul prayed for others, and God performed a miraculous healing for one particular individual resulting in rewards for all the shipwrecked victims. From this exclusive event, life on the island of Malta changed, and when Paul and the other shipwrecked patrons departed the island after three months, the Scripture states, they honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. (Acts 28:10)

It is not uncommon for us to avoid serving others when life becomes shipwrecked. Why? The crab mentality naturally takes over while integrating our survival skill set. The crab mentality is a way of thinking as described by this phrase if I can't have it, neither can you. This metaphor derives from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when trapped in a bucket. If one crab tries to escape, the group's collective efforts will undermine that crab's effort ensuring its demise. So, the crab mentality characterizes by self-centeredness. However, when one grasps the concept that the shipwrecked is an integral part of one's divine providence, one must become God-centered, leading to serving others. As Paul did, we must realize that life is no longer about the individual but serving God through others. As believers, let us refrain from the crab mentality and seek opportunities to serve others even when we are shipwrecked.

Shipwrecked leads to aiding others