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Leaving Fair Havens

Acts 27: 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast.So Paul warned them, 10“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.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.(NIV)

The place where God warned them was called Fair Havens. God would have them spend the winter in Fair Havens. It was not God’s intention that they should lose everything in life, or suffer loss. Paul was the representative of God. The centurion represented the Government/the military. The Captain represented the economic/business side of the country. Paul represented the Divine, God. Now if the three had worked togetherthis would have been a successful trip. But no, the government and the business leader thought they didn’t need God’s guidance. Now the business owner lost everything save his life. The military/government was at the mercy of the sea and almost lost all of its prisoners. When it came right down to the bare knuckles only the representative of God was left standing with the answers.

When people refuse to follow God’s leading, God’s Word, God’s commandments, they leave the place called Fair Havens and head into trouble. I think that's where we are in this countr. This is where many people are in their personal lives. People have chosen to ignore God's directions as set out in God's word, the Bible.

Many people, governments, military leaders think they know better than God. They look at the circumstances and say as it were, God doesn’t understand. This place is not a suitable place for me to stay. However they don’t hear the voice of God. God did not say that they were going to stay at Fair Havens forever. God just tells them to spend the winter there. Since God controls everything and God can see down the road God is warning them to save them. God is a loving God and like a good Father He only wants the best for us. If God has called you to a Fair Havens to winter in, don't worry how it looks. Remember you are only there for a season and for safety.
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