November 25
Bible Reading: Acts 27:1-8
Acts 27:1-2, “And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea.”
Paul’s voyage to Rome was beset with challenges and ultimately led to a shipwreck. Though Paul, humanly speaking, held no important position on the ship (he was just a prisoner; not the captain or pilot or even a member of the crew), he ultimately became the most important person on board. That’s because he was a man of faith in God, and God used him to exercise a positive influence on the others.
The book “We Thought We Heard the Angels Sing” by James C. Whittaker, recounts the true story of World War II pilots who survived 21 days adrift in the Pacific after their B-24 bomber crashed. Their amazing story highlights themes of faith, survival, and God’s provision in the darkest moments.
On October 21, 1942, seven men, including Eddie Rickenbacker, a famous World War I ace, departed on a secret mission. Due to navigation errors and equipment failure, they missed their island destination and crash-landed at sea. Miraculously, the crew survived and took refuge on two small life rafts, with minimal supplies: four oranges, a few tools, and one man’s pocket New Testament.
Adrift for weeks, they faced blistering heat, hunger, thirst, and relentless sharks. Their greatest resource proved to be faith in God, spurred by Johnny, a crewmate (not the famous WW I ace or a pilot) who carried the New Testament. Though not all were religious, the crew began daily prayer and scripture reading, drawing comfort and hope from passages like Matthew 6, which speaks of trusting God for provision.
Their prayers were answered in remarkable ways. After praying for food, a faulty flare startled fish into their raft. When desperate for water, a rainstorm provided relief. Even when hope seemed lost, prayers led to further miracles, including their eventual sighting of land and a miraculous final effort to reach shore, aided by newfound strength after another prayer.
On November 11, islanders rescued the surviving crew, and the author later reflected on the impact of Johnny’s faith: “Prayer led us to safety.” Johnny’s example showed how one person’s trust in God can inspire and sustain others through life’s storms. If you are a man or woman of faith, you’ve your own sphere of influence. Amidst the trials we all face, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bless others as you trust God among them.
“The faith you exercise today will influence others tomorrow.”
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live. [Refrain]
Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 