When Life Jolts You

Bible Story

God Brings Paul Through a Shipwreck (Acts 27:13–44)

Devotional

Yesterday morning, Ryan and I were approaching a traffic light when, suddenly, bang. A landscaping truck hit us from behind. We both felt the jolt. The young driver was panicked. Thankfully, there wasn’t any damage to the car, but an ordinary morning had changed in an instant. Years ago, Ryan and I were hit at a light, and that accident ended differently. Our car was totaled, the back seat was pushed almost into the front, and we had to go to the ER. Remembering it made me grateful for how yesterday turned out.

Life can jolt us like that. We’re going about our day when a diagnosis, a loss, or a painful conversation catches us off guard. Sometimes there’s damage that takes a long time to heal. Sometimes no one else can see what the moment did to us. Either way, we’ve felt the impact. The young driver realized he needed to pay closer attention. His panic also reminded me to have compassion. He was frightened by what had happened, just as we were.

In Acts 27, a violent storm overtook the ship carrying Paul. God assured him that everyone aboard would survive, though the ship would be lost. It struck a sandbar and broke apart. Some people swam to shore; others held on to pieces of wreckage. Everyone made it safely to land. God was with them through it.

Yesterday, I was about to speak at the hospital about my stroke journey, recovery, and hope. After the accident, I felt how easily fear could pull my attention from that message. I felt the enemy would gladly use one unsettling moment to create deeper damage. So I thanked the Lord for protecting Ryan and me, and I asked Him to guard my peace too. Psalm 46 calls God “a very present help in trouble.” When my thoughts race ahead, I can turn to Him. He’s present while I catch my breath and as I take the next step.

I’m grateful yesterday was a close call. I also know God as the One who held me through a stroke and months of recovery. His care reaches us when we’re spared and when we have wounds to heal. Maybe something’s jolted you recently, and you’re still trying to steady yourself. You can acknowledge what happened, ask for the support you need, and bring it to God. I carried my gratitude into the hospital yesterday and shared the hope that’s sustained me. The jolt had happened. I could place what followed in God’s hands.

Reflection Questions

• What’s jolted you recently, even if no one else can see its impact?
• Has it brought back a memory from an earlier difficult season?
• Do you need healing, greater attention, or a moment to give thanks?
• What’s one next step you can place in God’s hands?

Recommended Worship Song to listen to:

“Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson

Prayer Lord, thank You for watching over Ryan and me yesterday. When life jolts us, help us turn toward You. Guard our thoughts when fear grows, and give us compassion for others. Bring healing where there’s damage, and deepen our gratitude when we’ve been spared. Help us take the next step with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Short on time to read? No problem! Press play below to listen to this devotional in my voice.