10 “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.”
11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.
12 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.
The Storm
13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island.
15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.
16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure,
17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[b] and let the ship be driven along.
18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.
19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.
20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
21 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.
22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.
23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me
24 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.’
25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
Acts 27:10-26
In this passage, we read how Paul tells the crew of a boat that they should not travel during the winter. The pilots tell the centurion that they should travel and when a gentle south wind comes, they set sail and travels.
Paul was right. A hurricane like north wind comes and the crew throws away the cargo and tackle to survive the storm. Paul tells the crew the boat will be lost but no one will lose their lives.
Similar to us. We look at the world and make decision that seem reasonable. The Harbour was not suitable to stay during the winter and the gentle south wind was good for traveling. The pilot advises the centurion what to do. The pilot is experienced and knows better than Paul. However, Paul listened to God. There are many things we cannot know, and we need to consider what God wants us to do. God needs to be consulted or our best laid plans might fall apart.
Lifeguards do not rush in to save a drowning person. They wait until the drowning person I s exhausted and cannot fight anymore. God also will wait until our hearts are broken. It is only then can God intervene effectively. Our hearts need to be ready and willing to surrender completely to God.
One of the most dangerous things that can happen to us is to think we can plan and do things without God. This pride will make us stumble. God wants us to succeed. God also wants us to know that He is almighty and will rescue us. Yet, God is more than a hero. He is our Father and our God. Without relying on God, we cannot live.
Paul's faith is commendable. Whatever God says should be our greatest comfort.
God always know the best way for us.
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