Message: Blessed Brokenness
Focus Scripture: Acts 27:35-36, 43-44
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of
them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that
they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass,
that they escaped all safe to land.
Acts 27:9-10 (KJV)
9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was
now already past, Paul admonished them,
10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not
only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
*Paul's initial perception and advice was one of practicality based on the elements (weather).
*God is kind & merciful in that He will warn us and help us avoid danger based on our
obedience.
Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day
that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Matthew 2:12
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed
into their own country another way.
Acts 27:14
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
Euroclydon- violent northeastern wind, similar to a typhon or tornado
*Storms are something we all must face naturally and spiritually whether right or wrong!
Psalms 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the
sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a
standard against him.
Acts 27:21-26 (Living Bible)
21 No one had eaten for a long time, but finally Paul called the crew together and said, “Men,
you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Fair Havens—you would have
avoided all this injury and loss!
22 But cheer up! Not one of us will lose our lives, even though the ship will go down.
*God will not allow the storm to kill you, but He will allow the storm to kill or separate you from
what is carrying you.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all
them that sail with thee.
*You cannot allow fear to distract you. The spirit of fear is conquered by God’s power in us, and
God’s Love which results in us maintaining a peaceful/sober/sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Do not allow the enemy or circumstances to distract you away from the peace of God.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. (They were going to be shipwrecked.)
*Paul responds in faith, but even with the good news, they still had to endure difficulty before
getting to safety
Luke 1:38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the
angel departed from her.
Acts 27:27-36, 43-44 (The Living Bible)
27 About midnight on the fourteenth night of the storm, as we were being driven to and fro on
the Adriatic Sea, the sailors suspected land was near.
28 They sounded and found 120 feet of water below them. A little later they sounded again and
found only 90 feet.
29 At this rate they knew they would soon be driven ashore; and fearing rocks along the coast,
they threw out four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.
30 Some of the sailors planned to abandon the ship and lowered the emergency boat as though
they were going to put out anchors from the prow.
31 But Paul said to the soldiers and commanding officer, “You will all die unless everyone stays
aboard.”
32 So the soldiers cut the ropes and let the boat fall off.
*The intensity, pain and uncertainty of brokenness will cause you to play tricks on yourself and
take matters into your own hands. Be careful, what looks like a solution towards safety & relief
could really be you setting your own deathtrap.
2 Corinthians 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
*They had to remain on board. No shortcuts allowed!! You cannot conquer a challenge without
first enduring it.
2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is
the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair
fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of
them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
*1. Paul PRAISED God: Even in the midst of danger, Paul praised God in faith based on the word
he received and did so in front of those on the ship.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In EVERYTHING give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Psalms 106:1
Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth
forever.
*2. Paul took what was broken and used it for nourishment!! The enemy sees brokenness and
hardship as a means to destroy you. God allows us to experience brokenness as a means to
nourish and strengthen us.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.
We are delivered from brokenness based on how we respond to it. Allow brokenness to push
you into the presence of God.
Jonah 2:7
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto
thee, into thine holy temple.
Psalms 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand
there are pleasures for evermore.
*When we present our brokenness before God, the grace and strength of God are activated
and manifested in our lives.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that
they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass,
that they escaped all safe to land.
*See the point of your brokenness is transportation to get you to the set place God wants you
to be.
Romans 8:28
And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to his purpose.
Exodus 1:12a
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.
Psalms 66:12
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water:
but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
Luke 17:14
And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it
came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
Julius- centurion in the Roman army assigned with the other soldiers under his command to
accompany Paul to Rome
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