When Things Fall Apart, They’re Falling into Place

“The ship was broken to pieces by the force of the waves. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so that none of them could swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to follow, some on planks and some on other pieces of the ship. In this way, everyone safely reached shore.”

— Acts 27:41-44

Introduction: The Breaking Before the Breakthrough

Have you ever been in a season where it felt like everything around you was falling apart? The plans you carefully built started to crumble, relationships shattered, and the storm of life hit you harder than you ever imagined.

Sometimes, when things fall apart, it’s not because God has abandoned us—it’s because He is shifting things into place.

Paul’s Shipwreck: The Breaking that Led to Deliverance

In Acts 27, Paul was a prisoner on a ship headed for Rome when a violent storm arose. Despite warnings, the ship set sail and was caught in a raging tempest. The crew did everything they could to survive—throwing cargo overboard, tying ropes around the ship to hold it together—but in the end, the ship broke apart.

At first glance, it looked like disaster. But in reality, God was working all things together for their deliverance.

• The ship had to break so they could reach their destination.

• Some swam to safety, while others held onto broken pieces—but all survived.

• What seemed like destruction was actually a divine setup for Paul to walk in purpose (Acts 28—Paul’s ministry in Malta).

Sometimes, We Get to Shore on Broken Pieces

Not everyone made it to shore the same way. Some swam confidently, while others held on for dear life to the wreckage.

Maybe you’re in a season where you feel like you’re barely holding on. Life didn’t go as planned, the storm has been raging, and all you have left is a broken piece of what used to be.

But hear this truth: God can use even the broken pieces to get you where He has called you to be.

• That broken dream might be the start of something greater.

• That broken relationship might be setting you up for divine connections.

• That broken season might be positioning you for the miracle that’s waiting on the shore.

God’s Plan in the Breaking

The ship had to fall apart for Paul and the others to reach safety. Sometimes, our lives have to be shaken so God can move us into position.

• Joseph’s betrayal led him to the palace.

• Job’s loss led him to double restoration.

• Jesus’ death led to resurrection and eternal life.

What looks like the end might actually be the beginning of something far greater than you can imagine.

Encouragement for Today

If you feel like your life is breaking apart, don’t lose hope. You will get to the shore. It may not be how you expected—it may be on broken pieces, but you will get there.

Hold onto God’s promises. He is in control, even in the storm.

Prayer:

Father, I trust that even when things seem to be falling apart, You are putting everything into place. Give me the faith to hold on, even if it’s just to a broken piece. I know You are leading me safely to the shore of my purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.