Friday December 17, 2021

How to avoid shipwrecks ?

"However, my foot was going to stumble, my steps were about to slip." Psalm 73.2

Life is like a long sea voyage. If you want to avoid shipwrecks read Acts 27.12 carefully and notice the following details :

1- The sailors were not happy with where they were. "Because the port was not suitable... the majority decided that we had to go back to sea." God does not lead us by any dissatisfaction we might feel or by opinion polls. He leads us by His Spirit. When difficulties accumulate, we are called to overcome them, not to flee from them.

2- They were impatient to reach their destination. The Bible does not contain a single verse calling on us to rush the course of events for fear of not meeting God. In the wilderness, Israel learned to set out when the cloud rose, but when it did not move, to stand still and wait for the will of God.

3- They did not want to take into account the word of God. “Let the officer trust the captain and the master of the boat more than Paul's words” (Acts 27:11). Warning ! If you search well you will always find someone willing to confirm your own opinion and lead you straight to disaster !

4- They assessed the situation instead of trusting God. “A light southerly wind began to blow and, believing themselves to be masters of their projects, they weighed anchor and closely skirted the island of Crete. But soon a strong wind, called Euraquilon, broke loose. The boat was dragged along without being able to resist the wind and we let ourselves be carried away” (Acts 27.13-15). The idea that the happy circumstances of your life confirm God's will for you is absolutely unscriptural ! God will have to lead you through the wilderness sometimes. Neither will He lead you to a place where you no longer need His support and protection. If you get anywhere without His help, He didn't send you there ! So if you want to avoid shipwrecks, ask God to show you the true way which is His way alone.

Source (His Word for Today)