Listening to God can change the direction of your life. In Acts 27 and Acts 28:1-10, Pastor Jonathan walks through Paul’s journey to Rome and shows what happens when we ignore the warnings God places in our path. Paul’s journey through a violent storm, a shipwreck, and an unexpected ministry opportunity on Malta reminds us that God still speaks, God still protects, and God still has a purpose for our lives even when we make the wrong choice.
Paul warned the centurion and the sailors that the voyage would bring trouble and loss. However, they listened to the pilot and the ship’s owner instead. At first, the circumstances seemed to support their decision. A gentle south wind gave them confidence that they had made the right choice. Soon, though, everything changed. A violent storm struck the ship, and the crew fought to survive.
Sometimes, we face the same temptation. We see circumstances going our way and assume God must be giving us permission to move forward. Yet a favorable wind does not always mean we have heard the voice of God. We must learn to listen beyond our circumstances and pay attention to the wisdom God provides.
Pride can make us ignore the people God sends to protect us. Proverbs 12:15 reminds us that wise people listen to advice, while fools trust their own judgment. Pastor Jonathan challenges us to consider an important question: Who has permission to tell you that you are wrong?
Eventually, the crew wished they had listened to Paul. However, God did not abandon them because they made a poor decision. God remained faithful through the storm. He promised that every person on the ship would survive, even though the ship itself would be lost. That truth gives us hope. You may lose the ship, but you do not have to lose your future. A wrecked ship does not mean a wrecked life.
When Paul and the others finally reached Malta, the story did not end. Paul served the people around him, prayed for the sick, and saw God bring healing to the island. God used Paul even after the shipwreck.
Your difficult season can become an opportunity for God to work through you. Your mistakes do not have to define your future. Your storm does not have to stop your purpose.
As you listen to this message, consider three questions: What storm am I currently in? Did I ignore a warning that helped put me here? And who has permission to tell me, “Don’t sail”?
Through Acts 27 and Acts 28:1-10, Pastor Jonathan reminds us to listen when God speaks, take wise counsel seriously, accept responsibility for our choices, and trust God’s sovereignty when life does not go according to our plan.