I woke this morning thinking about not riding on an even keel. Leaning too far to the starboard, or is it port. Regardless. Not being balanced, or even feeling like your list is under control, well, it makes for a restless time as you try to sense your reason why. It’s not that you shouldn’t be leaning one way or the other, rather you need to feel like that you are in control of the lean, or at least know how to let the lean work to your advantage!
Yesterday, it was a thought (that I did not blog about) trying to determine if you should go with your heart, or your mind, when choosing alternate paths. I posted the thought to Social Media, to which I received some good responses and different viewpoints. “How about going with your gut?” “My mom used to say she felt it in her bones.” “Make sure who has your back!”
So, gut, mind, heart, back or bones…which choice do you make?
I only know that when you are caught in a situation that may lead to danger, or you feel like something is wrong, then you better have a good idea which way to go. With the flow? Or against the tide. Uphill. Or down. Left. Right. Fast-paced, or slow. Run. Stop. Jump. Duck.
As the Apostle Paul was being taken to Rome under guard to face a trial and possible punishment, he spoke to his traveling companions:
“Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (Acts 27:10 NKJV)
Now. He was speaking as a prisoner to those in authority, and those men did not know Paul, except maybe by reputation. Who was he, a prisoner, to warn those in authority about impending danger? That word “perceive” is from a source that relates to the idea that he was speaking from the “spectator” position, you know, in the stands and with nothing to add or validate the current situation. But since he was going to be on the same vessel he had some skin in the game!
This is what I have been thinking about these past 24 hours. Who am I to speak into a situation to warn of something that might negatively impact others? Do I have the voice? Experience? Who am I that they would listen to me?
In the same way, who do I have speaking into my life that I would, or could, trust to have my “back”? When you go off “half-cocked” (now, there’s another viewpoint), or when you take a standoffish position from your personal view of the situation, then how can you accept someone else speaking wisdom and options in your life?
With Paul, all he had to do was to wait for the right moment to be the next voice that perhaps they would listen to. A tempestuous Euroclydon headwind arises and they let the ship run with the wind and prepared for disaster, They tied cables around the bottom of the boat fearing a potential grounding, they pulled in the little skiff used to ferry people, equipment, and goods to and from land, then they started lightening their load by tossing non-essentials overboard. Finally, they tossed all their tackle, possibly the things they used to fish and provide sustenance to the occupants!
Paul reminds his shipmates of his warning (Acts 27:21) and encourages them to stay with the ship and not jump overboard. “There will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” (Acts 27:22) He goes on to give his reason based on an angel of God speaking words of comfort and destination.
“Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:25)
Think with me for a moment. We all need to have someone speaking into our lives. A confidant, mentor, coach, spouse, friend, pastor, trusted advisor or even a total stranger. These folks are someone on the outside, looking into your life, and perhaps they have an answer that is just what you need. They may even have specialty training to see more options than you!
Solomon says: Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV)
It’s not that all these voices will speak the same message! Rather, it’s when you need to hear your options and possibilities, then it should be from those who are speaking from their perspective. You do not want to be surrounded by “yes” men, constantly affirming your choices and selections. You want independent people looking in and sharing their viewpoints and allowing you all the information you need to make a good decision.
Paul had an Angel of God. Who do you have?
Put it into action. Do not be someone who has no one speaking to them. Find someone you can trust to have your back and speak truth to your situation. The sailors listened to Paul, a prisoner. They began heading for land and possible annihilation. Taking soundings, they find they are getting into shallow water, and drop all anchors. Again, Paul warns them all to stay with the boat so they let the skiff go. Trusting in a prisoner! For two weeks they have been storm-beaten, and Paul urges them to take nourishment, “…since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you…” (Acts 27:33). He takes bread, gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and began to eat. They joined him!
In the morning, they let slip off the hold of the anchors, loosed the rudder ropes, raised high the sail, and all 276 folks landed safely on the beach with the prow stuck fast, and the waves pounding the rear of the boat to pieces.
“And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.” (Acts 27:44)
Maybe you are in a tough situation. You’re floundering and feeling like all is lost. Your listing vessel of life feels like it’s about to totally turn upside down! You need someone looking over your shoulder and into your potential choices, giving you sound advice… I’m just saying. Don’t try to make all the decisions by yourself. It seldom works to your advantage.