For two weeks straight, the 276 people on the ship suffered, being driven by the storm. Some of the sailors, in fear, sought to flee on a smaller lifeboat—a dangerous choice. But Paul let Julius the centurion know about it, and the soldiers cut the boat away, sparing their lives.

Early that morning, Paul addressed them all, urging them to eat. He knew how their terror had robbed their appetites, making them too weak to face the trials ahead. He encouraged them to eat by breaking bread and giving thanks to God in front of them. Following suit, they all took food and were strengthened. A shepherd knows life is not a sprint, but a marathon, and we need continual strength for the journey.

The ship eventually struck a sandbar, and everyone had to swim to shore to survive. Fortunately, they had eaten and restored their strength! As God had promised Paul (24) and Paul told them (34), not one person was lost; everyone reached land safely.
Application: Father, thank you for those who intervened in my life when I was making bad choices, and for those who helped strengthen me for the long term. Help me do the same for those around me.
One Word: Be strengthened for the long term