Turbulent times raise so many questions. A lot of second-guessing goes on. The big “Why?” keeps returning to your mind. Then
there are the “what ifs…” Does it help to keep asking yourself those
questions? I think so; as long as we
learn from them and don’t let them keep us from moving forward toward God’s
plan for your life.
Perhaps some answers to the
following questions will help you as you try to learn from and weather your
current turbulent times. I’m going to
use the Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome in Acts 27 as a backdrop.
The centurion assigned to take Paul to Rome was in a hurry
to get there. The weather wasn’t very
accommodating. And then, because of some
unwise decisions their ship was ultimately shipwrecked. That brings us to the first question:
The centurion was intent on getting
Paul to Rome as soon as humanly possible.
Because of his urgency he made some bad decisions. Here are three factors that most of us can
certainly identify with.
1. He listened to the wrong
people.
Acts 27:9-11 NASB When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10 and said to them, "Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." “But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul.”
The centurion listened to the boat
experts but refused to listen to the counsel of God. The pilot and the captain would normally have
good advice because of their experience but God is always 100% right. Don’t allow yourself to get in such a hurry
that you only see God’s Word as simply one of many pieces of advice to
consider. You will get into a mess when
you defer to someone else’s advice over God’s counsel.
Proverbs 30:5-6 (NASB) Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.
2. He followed the crowd.
Acts 27:12 NASB “Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.”
Another way we get into a mess is by following after the
crowd. Again, we must never forget that
God’s counsel is still the right course to take even when everyone else thinks
otherwise. Don’t forget that the
Israelites were not allowed to enter the Promised Land for 40 years after Moses
chose to listen to the majority report of the 12 spies. God’s will is not contingent upon the
majority’s opinion or feelings.
Numbers 13:25-31 (NASB) When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days,26 they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.27 Thus they told him, and said, "We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.28 "Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.29 "Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan."30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it."31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us."
3. He let his circumstances confirm
his decisions.
Acts 27:13 NASB “When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore.”
Some people believe that the lack of
resistance or push back that results from their decision would be an indication
of having made the right decision. But
that doesn’t work. If you’re floating
downstream on a river it’s always easier the paddle and steer with the current. But what if that river is pushing you toward
the edge of Niagara Falls. All of a
sudden, what appeared to be a good decision may actually prove to be your last
decision. On the other hand, standing up
for Jesus Christ may result in a martyr’s death. Decisions must not be made on the basis of
the path of least resistance. Again,
what’s really important is that you follow God’s lead…even if it results in
negative repercussions.
Prov 3:5-6 (NASB) Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.Eph 5:15-18 (NASB) Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
Next time we’ll look at the question:
What do I need to watch out for?
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