Acts 27:1-13
When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us... From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia... Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship...
The presence of God was with Paul, and we can see it many ways. First, those who are with God are filled with God grace even in the midst of hardship. Back in the ancient time, it was tough to ride on ships; as a prisoner, it must have been uncomfortable both physically and mentally. Even though he was in such hardship, Paul won favor from centurion Julius. Wherever Paul went, Julius allowed others to take care of his needs. Why was that? I believe it was from the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God has prepared His "special force" for us everywhere, so isn't it wonderful for us, the children of God, to have such a wonderful almighty God?
Second, Paul had the right attitude. He was thankful for everything, so no matter what the circumstance was he was always remarkably calm. Even gentiles could feel his calmness! He was also a humble man who wasn't arrogant because he was God's apostle. All these are reasons for the centurion to respect him more. Good attitude is particularly important during time of adversity, otherwise even special force won't be able to help you. What is your current circumstance? Do you have the right attitude under the current circumstance? Those who are with God will have special favor from God!
Finally, those who are with God also have wisdom from God. When Paul saw that they were sailing in head wind and the season has changed, he suggested that they stop the ship, rest through the winter and then sail out. Verse eleven says that, however, centurion didn't take Paul advice and still proceeded, and thus they later encountered a great storm. It's undeniable that Paul revealed his wisdom because God was with him. May God be with us, manifest his favor in our lives each and every day, so that others will see that He is a true God through our lives.
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