Last week we saw Paul’s words of advice ignored. He warned that if they sailed, it would be disastrous, but they decided to sail anyway. They quickly found out he was correct!
Acts 27:14-15, 18-26 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… 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.”
Because Paul’s warning had proved correct, I would guess they were more likely to believe his promise and heed his encouragement from God!
God’s warnings and promises have proved correct time and time again. The more I’m reminded of this, the easier it is for me to heed His warnings, believe his promises and take His encouragement.
Like Paul, just because our Biblical and wise advice has been ignored in the past doesn’t mean we aren’t to prayerfully speak up in the future. Credibility often takes time.
Where might God be leading you and me to humbly speak up again with truths from God’s Word? Maybe it’s with an adult child, a fellow church leader, a friend or a relative. As our credibility builds, let’s pray for God’s words and timing to boldly speak truth for the benefit of others.
Alice
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