How to avoid shipwreck (1)

“There is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck.”

Ac 27:10 NLT

The apostle Paul was a prisoner on board a ship headed from Palestine to Rome. After they ventured through the Mediterranean Sea and docked at the island of Crete, God told Paul to advise the crew not to leave the harbor because there was going to be a great storm. But they wouldn’t listen, and they ended up shipwrecked. Why? Impatience! They had a schedule to keep (See vv. 9-12 NLT). The truth is, when we allow ourselves to become impatient we often end up in a storm. One pastor writes: “I’ve spoken with many crisis-ridden people who were impatient to get married…or get a new job…or move to the other side of town. They didn’t take time to check things out with God, and they sailed right into the awaiting storms.” Instead of waiting for God’s choice of a mate, loneliness can drive you into the arms of the wrong person and a lifetime of misery. Making financial decisions without consulting God first can land you in debt that may take years to get out of. Sometimes when God says no He doesn’t mean never. He’s simply saying, “Not now.” And what He has in store for you is worth waiting for! Here’s something you’d do well to keep in mind: God does a work of preparation within you to equip you for what He has in mind for you. His Word says, “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa 28:16), so don’t get impatient and jump the gun. “Wait…for the Lord…follow his path, and he will honor you” (Ps 37:34 GWT).

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