Learning Obedience Through Experience
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Rev. Enoch Thompson | May 13 2026 | Acts 27:27-32
KEY VERSE: “Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.’ So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.” (Acts 27:21-32, NIV)
MESSAGE:
By the time we reach Acts 27:27–32, something had changed. The storm had not stopped, but the people had learned to value God’s Word in the mouth of Paul. When Paul warned that their survival depended on everyone remaining on the ship, even as some tried to play smart and escape, the soldiers did not argue. They did not delay. They acted immediately.
This response of the soldiers is significant. Paul’s earlier advice was dismissed; now his instruction was obeyed immediately. The painful experience had opened the soldiers' ears. Their action in verse 32 shows maturity born, unfortunately, from hardship. They recognised that partial obedience was still disobedience. To survive, they had to commit to the instructions they had been given fully.
Life often teaches us that repeated mistakes, avoidable troubles, and unnecessary pain frequently come from ignoring wise counsel. God speaks to us through Scripture, godly counsel, and the lessons of past experiences. When we pay attention, we grow. When we refuse, we repeat the cycle of pain and destruction.
The question is not whether storms will come, but whether we will learn well enough to respond differently the next time.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Reflect honestly: was there a time when ignoring wisdom led to trouble?
Recognise patterns: ask what God may be teaching through repeated experiences.
Respond quickly when God gives a clear direction. Act without delay.
PRAYER:
Gracious God, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me to recognise Your voice not only in Scripture but also in the lessons of my past. Give me a teachable spirit, the humility to admit when I am wrong, and the courage to act on Your instruction without delay. Teach me to obey fully, so that my life may reflect Your guidance and grace. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: STAY The Greek word for stay is “menō,” which means to remain, continue, abide, or stay in place.
In Acts 27:31, Paul said, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”
The word suggests more than physical location. It carries the idea of continuing where one has been instructed to remain. The sailors wanted another way out, but survival was tied to staying on the course God had set.
Their safety required trust, restraint, and full obedience.
Reflect on this:
Sometimes obedience means staying where God has instructed you to remain, even when another option looks easier. A teachable heart not only hears God’s direction. It remains under it.
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