Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Jan 20, 2008 0:11:45 GMT -5
How To Avoid Shipwreck
You will guide me.
Psalm 73:24
Your life is like a voyage. If you want to avoid shipwreck read Acts 27:12-15 (NIV) and notice the following things:
(1) They were dissatisfied with where they were. "Since the harbour was unsuitable… the majority decided that we should sail on." God doesn't guide us by dissatisfaction or by opinion polls; He guides us by His Spirit. When things get difficult we're called to overcome them, not try to escape them. (2) They were impatient to get to where they were going. There's not a single verse in the Bible that tells us to hurry up or we'll miss God! In the wilderness Israel learned that when the cloud moves, you move; when the cloud stops, stay where you are and wait on God. (3) They failed to heed God's Word. "But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot." Be careful, if you look hard enough you'll find someone whose opinion confirms what you want to do. And that will get you into trouble. (4) They looked to the circumstances instead of God to guide them. "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they… sailed. Before very long… The ship was caught by the storm." The idea that circumstances will always line up favourably with God's guidance is not Scriptural. Sometimes God leads you through the wilderness. And He'll never lead you anywhere that doesn't require His provision and protection. If you can get there without God - He didn't send you.
So if you want to avoid shipwreck ask God to show you the right way - which is His way!
© BOB GASS
The Vine/The Word For Today
You will guide me.
Psalm 73:24
Your life is like a voyage. If you want to avoid shipwreck read Acts 27:12-15 (NIV) and notice the following things:
(1) They were dissatisfied with where they were. "Since the harbour was unsuitable… the majority decided that we should sail on." God doesn't guide us by dissatisfaction or by opinion polls; He guides us by His Spirit. When things get difficult we're called to overcome them, not try to escape them. (2) They were impatient to get to where they were going. There's not a single verse in the Bible that tells us to hurry up or we'll miss God! In the wilderness Israel learned that when the cloud moves, you move; when the cloud stops, stay where you are and wait on God. (3) They failed to heed God's Word. "But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot." Be careful, if you look hard enough you'll find someone whose opinion confirms what you want to do. And that will get you into trouble. (4) They looked to the circumstances instead of God to guide them. "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they… sailed. Before very long… The ship was caught by the storm." The idea that circumstances will always line up favourably with God's guidance is not Scriptural. Sometimes God leads you through the wilderness. And He'll never lead you anywhere that doesn't require His provision and protection. If you can get there without God - He didn't send you.
So if you want to avoid shipwreck ask God to show you the right way - which is His way!
© BOB GASS
The Vine/The Word For Today