How can we discern God's will when making decisions like in Acts 27:12? The Scene at Fair Havens “Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on to Phoenix, hoping to winter there. Phoenix was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.” (Acts 27:12) Lessons from a Risky Vote • Paul had already warned, “Men, I can see that our voyage will be filled with disaster and great loss” (v. 10). • Yet “the majority decided” to press ahead (v. 12). • What followed—hurricane-force winds, tossed cargo, and near shipwreck—proved Paul’s Spirit-given insight correct. Timeless Principles for Discerning God’s Will • Start with Scripture, God’s Revealed Will – Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – If a choice contradicts clear teaching, it cannot be God’s will. • Weigh Counsel from Faithful Believers – Proverbs 11:14; Hebrews 13:7 – Paul’s counsel was ignored; wise voices today still get drowned out by popular opinion. • Beware the Pull of the Majority – Exodus 23:2; Matthew 7:13-14 – Crowd-pleasing choices often bypass divine warning signs. • Evaluate Circumstances without Letting Them Rule – The harbor looked “unsuitable,” but appearances can mislead. – Philippians 4:19 reminds us God supplies even in unlikely places. • Pray for Specific Wisdom – James 1:5; Philippians 4:6-7 – God delights to guide hearts that humbly ask. • Attend to the Spirit’s Inner Checks – A persistent unease may be the Spirit steering you away from harm. • Accept that Obedience May Mean Delay – Waiting out the winter in Fair Havens seemed inconvenient, yet safety lay in staying put. – Isaiah 40:31—strength comes to those who wait on the Lord. Practical Steps for Your Next Decision 1. Open your Bible first; note any passages that speak directly. 2. Pray for clarity, surrendering your preference. 3. Seek input from mature believers who love the Lord and you. 4. Compare every option with scriptural values—truth, purity, stewardship, love. 5. Notice inner confirmation or restraint from the Spirit. 6. Do not let urgency or majority pressure rush you. 7. Choose the path that best aligns with God’s character, trusting Him with outcomes. Encouragement for Today Following God’s will is not guesswork. His Word, His Spirit, and His people provide reliable guidance—far safer than any majority vote during a storm-season sail. |
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