Shipwrecked

I just recently bought seasons 1 and 2 of Gilligan's Island on DVD. Bailey and I have been watching episode after episode ever since. I remember watching it as a kid, so it brings back some sweet memories for me. And now watching it with Bailey makes it extra sweet. This is the first time she has really sat down to watch it. Although it is a comedy and meant to be silly, most episodes also include a lot of drama and adventure. There are storms, diseases, various visitors, and even a ghost that visits the island. It can be a lot of fun to watch. In the end, the story revolves around 7 completely different people from all walks of life. There is a skipper of a boat, his not-so-smart first-mate, a millionaire and his wife, a professor, a movie star, and a down-home, level-headed farm girl. Through their adventures on the island, they learn to cooperate and help each other survive the horrors of being shipwrecked with little hope of rescue.

If you like action and adventure, read chapters 27 and 28 of the book of Acts. Here's the Reader's Digest version: Paul was a prisoner and was placed on a ship bound for Rome. During the the trip, a huge, 2-week-long storm blew up and tossed and battered their ship. Eventually they washed up safely on the Island of Malta. Then more trouble started. Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but miraculously suffered no harm. God had a plan for Paul that a terrible storm, being shipwrecked, and a poisonous snake bite couldn't stop. And while Paul waited on the island to be rescued, he shared his testimony about Jesus with those around Him. In Paul's life, obstacles became opportunities to share the Good News about our Savior. Perhaps we could take on that same attitude. The next time we hit a snag, maybe we can look around and find a way to share Jesus.

I Peter 4:16 says, "Yet if man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

Father, help us to remember that bad circumstances in our lives may simply be opportunities that You have provided for us to share the Good News about Christ. Help us to do Your will during these times. In Jesus name, Amen.