Thursday December 17


“A gentle south wind began to blow.”  Ac 27:13 NIV

How to avoid shipwreck (3)

You can’t afford to be guided by circumstances alone. “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they…sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force…swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm” (vv. 13-15 NIV). It’s foolish to ignore what God says, even when your circumstances seem to contradict it. Things may look good to you right now, yet you could be sailing straight into a storm. You say, “This decision must be okay because I feel so good about it.” Do you remember the words from Debby Boone’s old hit song: “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right”? Feelings can lie, and if God says, “Wait in the harbor,” you’d better do it because the Devil can arrange undesirable circumstances if you put out to sea. Notice the words: “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted.” When it comes to the important decisions in your life, stand on these Scriptures: “Lead me…Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make straight your way before me” (Ps 5:8 NIV). “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Ps 25:5 NIV). “Teach me your way…Lord; lead me in a straight path” (Ps 27:11 NIV). “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Ps 143:10 NIV). When you pray that way, God will guide you in the right direction.