SCRIPTURE:
“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, “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.” But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.”
Acts 27:9-11
OBSERVATION:
The Day of Atonement was in the middle of the worst time of the year to be sailing and Paul knew it. He himself had been shipwrecked on numerous occasions, so he spoke from experience. Yet, the centurion chose to follow the advice of the pilot and owner of the ship. They took a violent battering and were eventually shipwrecked.
APPLICATION:
Over a decade ago, when I had been in the middle of my own storm and headed towards being shipwrecked, I knew I needed help. I was looking for someone who had navigated this storm before and made his way to safety, but most importantly someone who could SHOW me the way out. After meeting with several people, the Lord brought a mentor into my life who is still a mentor to this day. His years of experience and mistakes literally helped me to avoid making those same mistakes, and saved me years of heartache in the process. His help over the years has been invaluable and can be summed up in this quote:
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
John Maxwell
The world tells us that we need to know it all and have it all together, yet sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is admit that we don’t. Godly counsel from brothers rooted in Christ and in the Word, has helped me to avoid more than my fair share of shipwrecks over the years, which is why it’s crucial for me to stay connected to them.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for my prideful heart that at times says that I already know it all, because I don’t. Thank You Lord for Godly counsel that You have placed around me. May I continue to stay connected to those that You have put in my life, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
