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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
WHEN A CHOICE OR DECISION BECOMES A EURAQUILO STORM
“…But before very long there
rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in
it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control …they used supporting cables in
undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor …The next day as we were being violently
storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on
the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.
Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no
small storm was assailing us,
from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
*
A Euraquilo wind was a seamen’s term for
an eastern or northeastern wind common in the winter season on the island of
Malta. It was this violent, tempestuous, and hurricane wind that caused the
shipwreck in Acts chapter 27. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind,
called Euraquilo…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
The Euraquilo wind has been known to cause
horrific waves, lasts for days, and cause much death and destruction. When the
Euraquilo wind BLOWS, usually resistance is useless. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
Their CHOICE, to sail, led them into a
storm with so much WIND FORCE they had to surrender the ship to its POWER. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we
gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS
27:14-19 NASB).
CHOOSING the path of human expertise, past
experience, and human reasoning did NOT stop them from LOSING control of the
SHIP. “…the infamous nor’easter, struck.
They lost all control
of the ship.
It was a cork in the storm…”
(Acts 27:15 MSG).
Once a CHOICE is made and
is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. A destiny is set on course. People
often prefer to be the controllers of their own ships/destinies or the expert captains
of the own souls.
However, a Euraquilo
wind is the enemy of control or autonomy. “…the
ship … was a
cork
in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP
was no longer autonomous, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient
to the storm.
Every effort to keep
THEIR SHIP independent and autonomous failed. “…they used supporting cables in
undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor …The next day as we were being violently
storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the
ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
They struggled and struggled to maintain autonomy
and control of the SHIP with all their combined expertise, past experience,
nautical logic, human strength, and lifelong skills, but it did NOT work. “…Since neither sun nor stars
appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our
being saved was gradually abandoned.…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
Being able to choose the way YOU want to
go is the exercise of the autonomy of human will. To be autonomous
means to be independent or to follow the private rules, expertise, and desires
of one’s OWN choosing. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our
own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
An autonomous person
thinks of themselves as self-sufficient and not controlled by forces outside of
themselves. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to
think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is
of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).
To be autonomous is really
the exercise of one’s human will. Autonomous people have the ability to make
informed, self-sufficient CHOICES about their OWN WANTS and DESIRES.
King Nebuchadnezzar had
an autonomous attitude.
“…King
Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar
acted in his autonomy and did what he believed was right in his OWN eyes. “….The way of a fool is
right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...”
(Proverbs 14:20 KJV). “…There is a way that
seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the
ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar used his autonomy to
direct his human will to CHOOSE his OWN way. He DID NOT choose to listen to
God’s messenger or let God’s messenger influence or interfere with what he
WANTED to do. He TRUSTED his OWN way. “Those
who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in
wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).
King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN
autonomy, which PROVED he was in control of his OWN human will. “… he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel
4 NLT).
Thus, control is when YOU determine your own
CHOICES or plans WITHOUT submitting to the control or will of another. “But the people replied, “…We will continue
to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our
own
evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar was in control of his
CHOICES. He alone governed the liberties or restrictions of his OWN heart’s
desires. “…But
my people would not listen to me.
They KEPT DOING
WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following
the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
Losing control makes autonomous people feel
helpless, scared, terrified, naked, exposed, or weak. “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready
to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can
get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).
“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the
Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom
is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.”
(This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
To lose control is frightening. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
When control is lost most people will
desperately find a way to regain that control OR will wisely submit to God’s sovereign
control. “… Jehoshaphat was
terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
People control THEIR
world and God controls HIS world. “All the
peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the
earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Thus, people ALWAYS have control over
their human will within the scope of their little world, but they do NOT have
control over the will of God within the scope of his whole world. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the
peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT).
The events, situations, or circumstances that
happen in life are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Job did not have control over what
happened to him. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and
drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said,
“The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans
attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am
the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another
messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up
the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans
formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with
them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped
to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said,
“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest
brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and
struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead,
and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).
Job could NOT control the events that
happened. Job relinquished control to God with the right attitude. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…”
(Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I
came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed
be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).
When the loss of control leaves you
helpless and vulnerable; you will either give way to discouragement and anger
or you will surrender control to God. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we
gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS
27:14-19 NASB). “…all hope of our being saved was
gradually abandoned.…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). Yet, “… Jehoshaphat … BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
A loss of personal control will allow an
autonomous person to see, realize, and discover the LIMITS of their own
self-sufficiency. . “….Apart
from [Jesus], [they]… can do nothing…”
(John 15:5 NIV).
The less strength an autonomous person has
over certain events in life; the less control they realize they truly have. “…They lost all control of the ship…”
(Acts 27:15 MSG).
A loss of control will ALWAYS be a
struggle for an autonomous person, but, in the midst of the struggle if that
person chooses to call on God he will help you. “...Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
A loss of control may last for hours, days,
weeks, months, or years. “…King
Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and
will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will
pass by for you until you
acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign
over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately
what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel
4 NLT).
The experience of the loss of control can
be almost unbearable, humbling, hopeless, full of anger, and frightening. “…Since neither sun nor stars
appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our
being saved was gradually abandoned.…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
In the story of Lazarus in John 11 it
seems God did not intervene in a timely manner. … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had
not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).
In the loss of human autonomy it may seem
“too late” or impossible for God to fix what seems completely hopeless and out
of control. “…the things
which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING
TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO
HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that
worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
It is normal, for an autonomous person, to
feel angry and “OUT” of control when situations and circumstances become storms
they personally could NOT keep “IN” control. “…all
hope … was
gradually abandoned.…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
A loss of control is a sign to many people
to “give up,” or to finally acknowledge that God is truly in sovereign control
and surrender the outcome to him. “…the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of
God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).
Thus, Paul
said: “…I urge you to keep up your
courage, for there will be no loss of
life among you, but only of
the ship. …I believe God that it will
turn out exactly as I have been told…”
(Acts 27:22-25 NASB). “….And
so it happened that they all were
brought safely to land…”
(Acts 27:44 NASB).
God is sovereign over stormy, out of control situations and personal, human control has
limitations. Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
You may continue to have control over your
human will, but can’t fix the situation that has become a storm. God can fix it.
“…the things which are impossible
with men are
possible with God…”
(Luke 18:27 KJV).
Wherever you have been robbed of human control;
it is a good time to acknowledge and submit the outcome to God. The bible says,
“Trust in the Lord with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
No matter how BIG the storm God can still,
“…do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think,
according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “…Only
believe” (Mark 5:36 KJV).
The loss of autonomy is very frightening
for some, but comfort, rest, and a sense of safety can be gained by trusting
that God can DO the impossible. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with
God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
God’s incredible POWER to FIX our storms
is often incomprehensible. “… But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the
things which God hath prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians
2:9 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…”
(Acts 27:44 NASB).
In the story of Lazarus Jesus showed up in
God’s sovereign timing!!! At God’s appointed time, “… [all could see]...the glory
God, [and]…that the Son of God …[was also]…glorified thereby…” (John
11:4 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…”
(Acts 27:44 NASB).
The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s
refusal to let go of human control AND with the right attitude. “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). Jesus came to do God’s will. “…I seek NOT mine own will…” and submitted to
His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV). “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John
6:38 NIV).
When God is not sovereign your outcome will
be a lot different than Apostle Paul’s and the seamen. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…”
(Acts 27:44 NASB). However, “…whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh
reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they
wanted, following the stubborn desires
of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
God is ALWAYS in control, but he is not
controlling. “… No one can hold back his
hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). However, “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore [YOU]…choose
life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
Even in a loss of control you can “STILL” willfully
chose to follow your OWN way. Holding onto autonomy will always be in conflict
with God’s willingness to HELP. “…“…my people would not listen to me.
They kept doing whatever they wanted, following
the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went
backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
The seamen listened to the word given
through Apostle Paul. “….And
so it happened that they all were
brought safely to land…”
(Acts 27:44 NASB).
God rightfully
has sovereignty over his world and everybody that dwells it in. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they
that dwell therein…”
(Psalm 24:1 KJV). “… He (God) does as he pleases with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT).
If you have been through or are going through
a loss of control simply surrender the outcome to God’s will. “…"Father,
if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).
To be autonomous is to depend on the
limitations of your own control. To surrender to God is to depend on the
unlimited control of God’s sovereignty. “…the things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke
18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING
TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO
HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that
worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
“… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we
gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS
27:14-19 NASB). “…the infamous nor’easter,
struck. They lost all control
of the ship.
It was a cork in the storm…”
(Acts 27:15 MSG).
Once a CHOICE is made
and is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. A destiny is set on course.
People often prefer to be the master of their own ships/destinies or the expert
captains of the own souls.
However, a Euraquilo
wind is the enemy of autonomy. “…the ship … was a
cork
in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP
was no longer autonomous, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient.
If a Euraquilo wind is blowing through
your life and you have given way to it, become angry, or feel helpless; then:
BOLDLY CALL ON GOD and CHOOSE TO TRUST THE OUTCOME TO HIM. “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and
find GRACE to help in time of
need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…Trust in the Lord
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
The FOOD for thought QUESTIONS: Has a
wrong DECISION become a STORM? Are you WILLING to CHOOSE to TRUST GOD to get
you OUT of the storm, wroth a new outcome, and REDIRECT your steps?
Godspeed,
Dr. Pensacola
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