This afternoon I finished a two-month-long journey through the book of Acts. I’ve read it several times, but every time I read it I am reminded of some great stories from the early days of Christianity. It’s always good to look back, especially at the lives of Peter and Paul as they followed God’s leading to start something that would shape the world forever…and that’s certainly shaped me.
In addition to getting a few reminders I almost always read something I’ve read a thousand times before in some new light. And that happened this afternoon as I finished the book. Paul is on his way to Rome having appealed his absurd case to Caesar. Along the way the ship they’re on gets into a bad storm (which would have been avoided had the captain listened to Paul, but that’s another story).
At the end of this horrific storm the sailors run the ship aground and are about to abandon ship. Wise in human standards…not so much a part of God’s plans though…
Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away. (Acts 27:30-32, NLT)
Now, by this time Paul had some credibility with the captain since everything he had warned them about had come true. So I understand why the soldiers decided to change their plans (and I must admit I would have been all for getting in that lifeboat). But what they did next is what got my attention…they cut the ropes!
There was no going back after that…no change of heart allowed. They accepted God’s plan to stay on a sinking ship instead of trying it their way. The plan made no sense, but they did it anyway. They didn’t just follow God’s plan…they got rid of the safety net. No more choice but to do it God’s way.
I wish I did that more often, but I must confess that too often I follow God’s plan but I don’t always cut the rope. Sometimes I keep the safety net in place…just in case. Now that I say it it sounds ridiculous (that’s because it is). In case what? In case God’s plan doesn’t work out? Ludicrous…He’s God and I’m not.
Again, this is the decision that Pinecrest faces as we come together over the next three weeks to seek God’s face about our direction and finances. Will we follow His plan no matter how crazy it might sound? And will we cut the ropes or will we keep our safety net intact?
Here’s one vote for cutting the ropes.
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