1 Chronicles 9-10 / Acts 27:21-44 / Psalm 8 / Proverbs 18:23-24
When I was younger, I thought I knew everything. I was too wise in my own eyes. Now that I’m older, even though I have more wisdom and knowledge, I feel I have so much to learn. Then I was not as inclined to take advice or counsel from anyone, now I want to find those wise friends who know me and my situation and ask for their input when I need to make a decision. The person I ask advice from the most is my husband, Jeff.
In reading about Paul and the shipwreck in Acts 27, I noticed something. I noticed that the centurion guarding Paul, along with both the pilot and owner of the ship were not willing to listen to Paul’s warning about impending disaster on the voyage. Paul had no choice but to allow events to unfold. And sure enough, as Paul knew by the Spirit, the ship ended up in trouble.
The next warning that Paul gave, however, was heeded by the commanding officer and soldiers. Paul assured everyone that they would all be saved, but that the sailors were required to remain on board, and they needed to disembark together. Thankfully they listened and did what Paul said. It seems that since his first warning about the storm was ignored and turned out to be accurate, they didn’t want to take a chance with his second warning.
How often do we listen to someone the first time they try to tell us something? Or are we willing to listen to someone who’s reputation has not been proven to us? I believe that no matter how long we’ve known someone, we should take in the information they are sharing, then pray that Holy Spirit will confirm in our hearts if this is the right direction or response for us.
It certainly will not hurt us to at least listen and consider the possibility that what we’re hearing is correct and may be helpful. Therefore, it’s important to be humble and teachable. Some don’t like to feel there is something they don’t know or something they “missed”, but none of us can know all things. That’s why we need one another.
Even if you’re faced with a “know-it-all”, there may be value in what is being said. I’ll admit, it’s difficult not to ignore this type of person, but if a donkey can speak as in scripture, then we can learn something valuable from anyone – even the most disagreeable person!
So, be teachable, be humble, be willing to listen and consider and you may just find yourself saved from disaster!
