| I Chronicles 7:1-8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22
“Since the fast was already over, Paul gave his advice and told them, ‘Men, I can see that this voyage is headed toward damage and heavy loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also our lives.’ But the centurion paid attention to the captain and the owner of the ship rather than to what Paul said…For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging; finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing.” (Acts 27:9b-11, 20)
Ever just blow off some good godly advice because you chose to listen to the experts. I know, me too. Boy, could I have saved some time and trouble. That’s exactly what happened in our reading today. There was a centurion guarding and escorting his prisoners to Italy where they would ultimately stand trial.
I’m supposing it was his responsibility to ensure passage on boats for the trip. The weather had not been very cooperative and Paul tried to tell the centurion they needed to settle in somewhere and get out of the water. Let me interject, sometimes professionals are all about the money, and time is money. Sometimes we are encouraged to do things because it will benefit the professional. I’m sure the guard, the captain and the owner were all ready to get this transport over so they could move on to the next job. Having to winter somewhere undesirable was a waste of time and money in their eyes.
Needless to say, the centurion chose to listen to the professional captain and the owner of the ship. I’m sure they were thinking, “This guy is an inmate and we’re seasoned men. Who is going to listen to him?” The signs were already there and Paul had an inside track with the Lord. Maybe you have failed to heed the warnings of life and the godly advice the Lord tried to get over to you and now you are facing a huge storm. I mean, things in your life can’t hardly get any worse and you just don’t know how you are going to make it.
Take heart, God is still able to give you break through. You may suffer some loss, but at least you will still be here to move forward. Seek God and listen. There is a time for professional advice, but pay attention to what’s going on around you and listen to what the Lord is saying. He knows the end from the beginning so I think He’s qualified to issue instruction!
PRAYER:
Lord, I get so confused sometimes and I can’t really afford to be that way when it comes to the crucial events in my life. I’m praying You will send godly people into my path to guide me and I’m also asking that You give me a witness in my spirit for a course of action. I need You Father. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. |
