Acts Chapter 27: verses 9-12(NIV Translation)
Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.
Paul wasn’t a sailor, but he was experienced in listening to God and to following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The people in charge of their journey chose not to listen to him, instead chose to trust those that they believed should have known best what to do. However, to their cost they would later come to remember what Paul had told them.
We sometimes look at things on face value. If it looks right and seems to be the right thing then why not? But perhaps it doesn’t feel right. That wee nagging feeling that makes us feel uncomfortable about a decision or situation shouldn’t be ignored. The Holy Spirit can speak to us in this way, and we would be wise to pay attention. We will see as this part of Paul’s story unfolds, how although Paul was proven right in what he said, God still intervened on behalf of the travellers. But it was a hard lesson for them to learn. So also with us. We need to pay attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It could save us an awful lot of bother!
Dear Lord,
I thank You for the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. Help me to trust that You always know best, even if Your direction seems to be contradicting what others advice, or what circumstances appear to dictate. Thank You for the lesson of Paul’s obedience in speaking Your word, even in such circumstances. Amen.