Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. 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. Since the harbour was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.
Probably, they must have thought, "who is Paul anyway and what experience or technical knowledge does he have on ship, sailing and navigation!?"
There are many times we have found ourselves at such cross roads. Even in face of danger (even of our own lives) and heavy losses (whether of time, money, effort, emotional etc), we chose to listen to the majority, or the "intelligent" people around us instead of paying attention to what God is saying. The doctor's word was more important, the financial advisor was more convincing, the relationship counselor was more appealing, a friend's word was more trusted.
But in the end, we were regretting and suffering the consequences of our ignorance. Our own choice to follow contrary voices became bitter just like the ship was wrecked by the storm. The men were full of despair as slowly the warning of Paul became manifest. The ship was running aground! They began to throw the cargo overboard.
Acts 27: 20 -21
In that state of despondency (neither seeing sun or stars for many days), every ounce of hope had diminished. This is such a real painting of the state of our lives when we have forsaken to hear God and instead gone ahead with our own plans. Paul finally tells them, "You should have listened to me." Listening to God will spare you loss.
This kind of listening I am writing about, is not just mere hearing and no will to do. Listening is paying careful attention, heeding and obeying.
I had not imagined the proper magnitude of not following your will, till I read this portion of scripture in the book of Numbers. The Israelites were led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night! Hallelujah!
Numbers 9: 17 - 23
17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.
18 At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.
19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out.
20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out.
21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.
22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.
23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.
Imagine such a life where it was neither upon yourself to determine where and when to go nor where and when to lay for rest. Yours is just to follow and obey. Your life is not your own anymore. You cannot rest when it is time to go, because the cloud will leave you. You cannot go when it is time to rest, because the cloud has not departed. You cannot complain that the rest was not enough. You have no choice but the will of God. His Word and Command, my will to do.
Brothers and sisters, we are all on pilgrimage from earth to glory. The way in which we go, we have never been before. We know not the way. God knows the way. He has seen the end from the beginning. It is good for your own sake to listen to God and obey. There is no need to go, when He has said no. It doesn't matter who says you go.
Everything happening in our lives, we must learn to hear what He has to say. So that we may keep safe, redeem time and abide with Him. That shamba you want to buy, that car you want to buy, that school you want to enroll, that girl you want to marry, that church you want to go, that plan you have..... what has God said about it?
Look at your own life: how much pain have you had to endure, how much loss have you had to incur, all because you will not heed to the voice of the Holy Spirit! Had you listened to God, will the situation be different?
What unnecessary burdens, pain, loss and sorrow we bear that we did not have to, if we only listened to God!
Shalom
