It was late in the fall when Paul sailed to Rome. As the Apostle studied the wind and waves he made this prediction: "Men I pereive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives" (Acts 27:10).
Paul made a mistake here, what was it? Was he being too pessimestic? Was he a poor weather forecaster? The mistake Paul made was perceiving, not believing.
Several years earlier, God promised Paul: "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testisfied for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome" (Acts 23:11). God told Paul he would make it to Rome, but evidently Paul forgot or stopped believing the Lord's promise and instead started relying on his senses.
When God gives us a promise, like he did to Paul about going to Rome, we are to proceed with confidence. Unfortunately, like Paul in this instance, sometimes we are misled by our perceptions. Too often we are governed, not by the word of God, but by what we see, hear, and feel. And thus, we make the same mistake Paul did: we become perceivers not believers.
The scripture says we are to walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
What promise or command has God given you? Will you trust your senses or will you believe God?
