Shipwreck

Image by yeowatzup via Flickr

Thou shalt guide me
Psalm 73:24

If you want to avoid shipwreck, study Acts 27 carefully. First, they were dissatisfied with where they were. Listen; "Since the harbour was unsuitable...the majority decided that we should sail on" (Acts 27:12). God doesn't guide us by "dissatisfaction" or by "opinion polls," He guides us by His Spirit. (Romans 8:14). When things get difficult, you're called to overcome them, not try to escaped them. Next, they were impatient to get where they were going. Sound familiar? I don't know of a single Scripture that tells us to hurry up or we'll miss God. Israel learned that when the cloud moves, you move. But when the cloud stops, stay where you are and wait on God.

Then they failed to heed the Word; listen: "The centurion was more persuaded by the pilot...than...by Paul" (Acts 27:11). Be careful, if you look long enough, you'll find someone whose opinion confirms what you want to do. that's a dangerous place to be. Finally, they looked to the circumstances, instead of God, to guide them. (Acts 27:13) The idea that circumstances will always line up favourably with God's guidance is not scriptural. God often leads through the wilderness and He'll never lead you anywhere that doesn't require His provision and protection. If you can get there without God - He didn't send you.

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.