Turning around situations Week 50, 2014

The sequence of events which secured a turnaround during the Euroclydon are worthy of note. I believe following them will achieve similar results when in storms of life. Intercede with fasting until you get a word from God. Speak it by faith; then watch unto it to do what must be done.

The first is repentance and prayer. This prayer culminated in a word from God. The word was firm. 'Stop being afraid, Paul! You must stand before the emperor. Indeed, God has given to you the lives of everyone who is sailing with you.' Acts 27:24(ISV)   Have you similarly received a word from God? Then speak by faith that same word as Paul did. Exemplify what you believe and teach. Fasting was certainly discontinued after a sure word had come; but this breaking of the fast represented no laxity on Paul’s part. Even when God has given a word to a man (to you) Satan yet plans to subvert it if we are not watchful. Can that be? Elisha said, "This is the LORD's arrow of victory—the victory arrow against Aram, because you will defeat the Arameans at Aphek until you will have utterly finished them off." 2Kgs 13:17(ISV).  Yes we can lose God’s pronounced purpose by laxity. At this the man of God became angry at him and told him, "You should have struck five or six times! Then you would have attacked Aram until you would have destroyed it! But as it is now, you'll defeat Aram only three times!"2Kgs 13:19(ISV).  Often times when God has spoken there remains a role we must play to enjoy the full manifestation of that word. Watch and pray.

So Paul recognized danger when the sailors attempted a cunning escape. He didn’t presume since God had granted him the life of every one sailing with him therefore nothing more need be done. Paul told the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men remain onboard, you cannot be saved." Acts 27:31 (ISV).  Beloved watch! When Jesus had spoken by faith too at Gethsemane He acted to bring that spoken word to pass. "I have already told you that I am he," Jesus said. "If, then, you are looking for me, let these others go."  (He said this so that what he had said might come true: "Father, I have not lost even one of those you gave me.") Jn 18:8, 9(GNB)  You have seen visions of your mansion in heaven? Beautiful: now continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him Phlp 2:12 (ISV).   

What role did the rest of the 275 men in the ship have to play? Every one of them had to listen to and obey the word from Paul (Act 27:31-36). All had to obey the word. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.2Ch 7:14(KJV)  Obedience makes the difference - always.

In this way everyone got to shore safely Act 27:44(ISV)