It is so very frustrating not to be listened too, especially if you know you are right. The other party believes they are right too, but time shows the consequences of who was right.
And in these consequences there are those who are greatly affected, even put into danger because the one in the position of power and authority did not listen to the ones who were actually correct in their assessment.
Instead, the 'right' one was treated as if they were of no account and how could they actually have rightfully assessed a stiuation!? They are nothing and their opinion is of no consequence and thus cast aside.
This happened to Paul the prisoner as he was sailed towards Italy to stand trial before Caesar. Paul had gotten his 'right' answer from the Lord. But the ship's captain and the voyage powers-that-be, did not heed Paul's words.
They were the men of the sea, how could landlubber Paul know the nuances of sailing and weather conditions! Paul had given his warning but he had not been listened to.
Can you picture Paul sighing and thinking -
"I'm going to be shipwrecked - again!"
Sigh ...
He sat and rode out the wave of consequences of the bad decision of others. This affected 276 persons. But Paul was attuned to the Lord's guidance and he was able to bring encouragement to all aboard. They would face the dangers of the deep but ...
" ... not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you" (vs 34 ESV)
he told the passengers.
So they were shipwrecked, jumped overboard, swam, rested on broken off planks or other pieces of ship ...
"and so it was that all were brought safely to land" (vs 44).
God in His mercy had rescued a whole shipload of passengers despite the folly and pride of "educated" mankind. He kept Paul alive in order to bring him before the top man of the Roman Empire!
Would you like to be as fine tuned into Holy Sprit's guidance as Paul was? Even if we are, not everyone will listen to the wisdom given us. It can be frustrating but our times are in our Lord's hands and He'll bring us safely to shore despite those who do not listen to what's 'right'.
The losses incurred along the way may well be devastating but the responsibility and blame is not on our shoulders if we'd spoken up. We have at least done our part with the knowledge we'd been given.
We may still have a chance, like Paul did to encourage others in the mess with you. It's a saving grace.
May our Lord bless you all who do listen to the Holy Spirit and work out how to use the knowledge and wisdom given. By God's grace we can ride the storms of life - the manmade ones as well as what comes upon us naturally. Let's have submissive, humble hearts that will listen to Holy Spirit's wisdom.
May God bless each of us.
~ ERC April 2026 ~
Based on Acts 27 ESV.
Sing, Be Still, along with Hillsong, and Holy Spirit, I am Listening, along with Still Waters Bible Reflections.
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