Have you ever been in a very stressful situation? One you didn’t like and wanted out of? Then you discovered there might be a way out of it but you’re not sure what to do?
Imagine this situation. You’re on a boat. You haven’t eaten for two weeks and a terrible storm is raging all around you. Your boat is getting wrecked and all hope is lost. Suddenly, you see the shore. You know you need to reach it as quickly as possible. Getting out of the boat seems like the best idea. However, someone then says to you, “You will all die unless the sailors on this boat stay aboard.” Wow! What should you do? Listen and stay or try to leave the ship?
This situation is exactly what happened to Paul (Acts 27). He was in a very challenging position and his options were limited. Thankfully, Paul was closely connected to God, in tune with Him. He listened to Him. He trusted Him during this horrible situation; he knew what he needed to do.
“For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So, take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” — Acts 27:23-26 (NLT)
Do we listen to God like Paul did? Or, do we look for the easy way out when we’re in a difficult situation? Will we go the way God wants us to go? The better way?
So many times, we can mistake the “easy” answer as the one God has for us. We need to remember, however, that we have an enemy who wants to entice us. To try and influence us to make wrong decisions. The only way you are going to be able to wisely make the decisions you need to is by lining them up with what God tells you in His Word, through Prayer and by seeking Counsel (from people who do these same things).
Next time you are pressed with a decision (and an “easy out” appears) make sure you run it through the Word, Prayer and Counsel first. You might be surprised that there is a better answer just around the corner.
Learning to listen like Paul,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor