When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.
Acts 27:13

Paul had warned the centurion in charge that trouble lay ahead, but the centurion ignored him and gave orders to set sail. We know the rest of the story as it is recorded for us in Acts 27. The storm blew, the ship and its cargo were lost, and by God’s grace, Paul and his companions were saved.

The centurion had to decide whether to winter at Fair Havens or set sail and try to reach the port of Phoenix. There is much we can learn from the centurion’s mistakes. His approach to making his decision is a classic illustration of how not to determine the will of God.

He became impatient (Acts 27:7-9, 12). He did not want to remain in the uncomfortable harbor of Fair Havens because it was too open to the winter storms. Phoenix had a more sheltered harbor. He wanted to get on the move. Impatience is a mark of immaturity and unbelief. The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “He that believes shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).

He listened to the “expert advice” of the pilot and captain of the ship instead of God’s Word (Acts 27:10-11). No matter what the “experts” may say, depend on the truth of God’s Word.

He took a vote (Acts 27:12). The majority voted to leave, and the majority was wrong! The majority, you remember, kept Israel out of the Promised Land, and the majority voted to crucify Christ! Obey God’s Word even if the whole world is against you.

He walked by sight, not by faith (Acts 27:13). The “south wind blew softly” and was the signal, for him at least, to start moving. Beware of “golden opportunities” that seem to contradict God’s instructions. South winds often become stormy winds.

Anchor For Today:
Sometimes we get ourselves into storms for the same reasons. The only sure way to pilot your boat is to set your sails on obeying God’s Word, come what may!