Beware of Red Flags
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Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 28 2026 | Acts 27:1-8
KEY VERSE: “We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.” (Acts 27:8, NIV)
MESSAGE:
The voyage of Paul to Rome began with subtle signs of difficulty. The sailors moved along the coast “with difficulty,” yet pressed on. This early difficulty was more than a passing inconvenience. It should have invited caution.
Life often presents similar signals at the beginning of major commitments, such as relationships, partnerships, investments, or relocations. Early challenges may sometimes be God’s caution, pointing us to hidden dangers ahead. The difficulty along the coast should have made the travellers more cautious. They pressed on and later faced greater storms. This reminds us that discernment at the beginning of any journey is crucial.
Not every challenge means disaster. Some marriages, ministries, and ventures begin with struggles and mature into blessings. Yet some unusual difficulties are red flags, urging us to slow down, pray, and seek counsel before proceeding. We need wisdom and divine discernment to distinguish between trials that build faith and signs that warn of danger.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Pay attention to early warning signs in life’s commitments. Seek God’s guidance before pressing forward when unusual difficulties appear. Learn to discern between challenges that strengthen and signals that call for caution. Encourage others to pause, reflect, and pray when beginnings feel unusually troubled.
PRAYER:
Lord, grant me discernment to recognise the signs You place along my path. Help me to distinguish between trials that grow my faith and warnings that protect me from harm. May I walk in wisdom, guided by Your Spirit. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: DIFFICULTY
Molis is the Greek word translated as “with difficulty” in Acts 27:8; it means “scarcely,” “barely,” or “with great effort.”
Luke says they moved along the coast “with difficulty.” The journey was possible, but it was no longer easy. That early struggle should have called for caution, patience, and careful discernment before pressing on.
Reflect on this:
When a path begins with unusual difficulty, do not ignore it. Pause before God. Seek counsel. Ask for wisdom. Some difficulties strengthen faith, and some difficulties call for caution. God can help you discern the difference.
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