Trusting God’s Wisdom in the Midst of Human Decisions
Acts 27:9–13 (NASB95)
9When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 13When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore.
As Paul and his companions continue their journey to Rome, the ship’s crew faces a critical decision about whether to sail further or remain in the harbor of Fair Havens. Paul, guided by divine wisdom and his extensive experience with sea travel, warns the centurion and the ship’s officers of the dangers ahead. However, the centurion chooses to trust the advice of the ship’s captain and owner, who are motivated by profit and the desire for a better harbor to winter in. A seemingly favorable south wind convinces them to set sail, but this decision soon leads to disaster. This moment reflects the tension between human reasoning and God’s wisdom. Paul’s role as a prophet mirrors the warnings of Jonah, though in contrast to Jonah’s disobedience, Paul is faithfully following God’s call. The crew’s decision to ignore Paul’s warning highlights the consequences of relying solely on human judgment while disregarding God’s guidance.
Paul’s warning reminds us of the importance of seeking and trusting God’s wisdom, even when it conflicts with human reasoning or popular opinion. As the church, we are called to listen to God’s voice through His Word, prayer, and the counsel of faithful believers. This passage challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when others around us choose a different path. Let us trust that God’s wisdom is greater than human understanding and commit to following His guidance, knowing that He is sovereign over every situation and will lead His Church safely through life’s storms.