Devotional: Bitten but Not Broken

Devotional Reading: Acts 27–28

💭 Reflect

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Paul was headed to Rome, but ended up shipwrecked on Malta. He faced storms, hunger, fear, and even a snake bite. Yet through every twist, Paul held onto one thing: God’s purpose.

🌪️ Storms Will Come

In Acts 27, Paul’s ship is caught in a violent storm. The crew panics. They throw cargo overboard. They try to hold the ship together with ropes. Eventually, they lose all hope.

Sound familiar?   We do the same—trying to hold life together when everything feels like it’s falling apart. But Paul doesn’t panic. He speaks up and says, “Keep up your courage… not one of you will be lost” (Acts 27:22–24).

🧠 Truth to Remember:   God’s promises are stronger than any storm. Don’t put your hope in the ship—put your hope in Jesus.

🍞 Worship in the Chaos

Before dawn, Paul breaks bread and gives thanks to God—in the middle of the storm. That’s powerful.

🙌 Challenge:   Can you worship when things are messy? Gratitude isn’t just for good days—it’s a weapon in the storm.

🌊 Broken Pieces Still Float

The ship breaks apart, but everyone reaches land—some swimming, some clinging to broken pieces.

💡 Reminder:   Even if your plans fall apart, God can still get you where you need to go. Broken doesn’t mean useless. God uses broken pieces to carry you forward.

🐍 Shake It Off

On Malta, Paul is bitten by a viper. The locals expect him to die. But Paul shakes it off into the fire—and suffers no harm (Acts 28:5).

🔥 Application:   The enemy will try to poison your purpose—with fear, offense, bitterness, temptation. Don’t let it stick. Shake it off. Don’t let what bit you define you.

📖 Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…”

Not all things are good. But God works through all things for good. Paul didn’t end up where he planned—but he fulfilled God’s purpose anyway.

🙏 Prayer

Lord, when storms hit and plans fall apart, help me trust You. When I feel broken, remind me You still have a purpose for me. When the enemy bites, give me strength to shake it off. I may not be where I expected—but I know I’m exactly where You want me. Amen.