Acts Chapter 27: Verses 20-25 (NIV)
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me4 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Luke, the writer of Acts, tells us that all on board ship had given up hope. Except Paul. Because of Paul and his obedience, trust and example, 276 people were saved from death. He didn’t waste time by leaving things at “I told you so.” He offered them hope and grace from God. Yet another example in these last few days in the example of trusting God and being obedient, and exerting a positive influence.
Sometimes we will be asked for our advice or opinion. If it is then not heeded, how do we react when things go wrong for the person concerned? Do we say, I told you so, or so we follow Paul’s example and extend the hope and grace of God to them?
Dear Lord,
Help me never to wag my finger and say I told you so. You have never treated me that way, and I mustn’t do that to anyone else. Thank You for Your grace and mercy to me. May I offer it to others when it’s needed. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.