“And said unto them, ‘Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives'” (Acts 27:10 KJV).
Many Christians need to understand the difference between walking by faith versus walking in fear. There are times the Holy Ghost will lead you not to do something. It is that time one must obey, and realize that God has just demonstrated His protection for you by speaking to you.
On the other hand, fear is when you avoid doing something because you think it will have a negative consequence. Now there is a difference between not doing something because of fear and not doing something because the Holy Ghost forbids you to do it.
In Acts 27 we see Paul being led by the Holy Ghost. Now Paul did not want to go on this journey because he perceived in his spirit by the Holy Ghost that there was going to be a problem with the trip. However, he was a prisoner. He stated his case and the authorities chose to ignore him. As it turned out, they wound up in a bad situation.
Nevertheless, the Lord still reminded Paul of something in verse 24: “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (KJV).
The Lord told Paul, “Fear not.” Now Paul knew the voice of the Holy Ghost. Therefore there was a reason he did not want to take that trip. It wasn’t that he was afraid that he’d lose his life. He didn’t want to go because the Lord shared with him that there was going to be a problem.
Now let’s take an airplane for example. I won’t get on the airplane if the Holy Ghost tells me not to. It will not be out of fear that harm would come to me if I fly on an airplane. I would not fly on that aircraft out of obedience to the Holy Ghost.
In fact, I would understand the Father’s protection is that He spoke to me and forewarned me. If you spend time with God and He hasn’t said a word to you about flying, then there’s no problem. I am just going to get on board and fly like an eagle!
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 15:22; Hebrews 10:38
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).