When the South Winds Blow

In Acts 27, we read that the Apostle Paul and a shipload of prisoners were headed for Rome. At the great seaport of Alexandria, Egypt, they were loaded aboard a ship directed for Italy and placed under the authority of Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. Julius was extraordinarily kind to Paul, and it is thought he knew Paul’s situation, as he was likely one of the chief captains who heard Paul plead his case before Agrippa. Julius treated him, says Matthew Henry, “…as a friend, a scholar, and a gentleman.” Much like Joseph in the book of Genesis, we understand that though Paul was a prisoner, he was not a common criminal. And in this story, we witness yet again that when God’s children find themselves in unsettling circumstances, God can cause them to be prized and valued even in the eyes of those who hold them captive!

The journey was a long, tedious one, for the winds fought against them, and winter was quickly approaching. They pulled ashore at a place called The Fair Havens, a natural port near the southernmost point of Crete. It is, to this day, a haven for ships in the Mediterranean. It was here Paul-led by the Spirit at the exact right time-spoke to Julius, the shipmaster, and the owner of the ship, warning them, cautioning them that they should not endeavor to make the journey as it would lead to devastating loss. “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

And then a word which appears almost one hundred times in the Bible-nevertheless. A word that presents a statement which is opposed to the preceding statement. Verse 11- “ Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.^” Thus, disregarding the Apostle’s admonition, they determined to set sail. They imagined that, since the south winds were blowing so softly, they would always do so. Yet little could they have suspected that they were headed into a dreadful storm. As such, the ship was exceedingly tossed with waves mounting up to the heavens and crashing down to the depths. What made it even more terrifying was that they saw neither sun nor star for many days. Sailors relied completely on the sun and stars for guidance, which means they had no guidance whatsoever. 

The Bible explains that the ship finally succumbed to the ravages of the storm, and it was every man for himself as each jumped into the churning sea.  Paul, having been enlightened by an angel of God,  reassured everyone that God, in his mercy, ruled that there would be no loss of life, only of the vessel that carried them.

We should be discerning when the south winds blow. For though they may be soft and seem to imply that the seas are calm ahead, we must, without exception, seek the leadership of the Lord in all things which pertain to life and godliness. Not to do so can lead to shipwreck for the Christian! 1 Tim. 1:19. Though those southerly winds in our lives often bring times of ease and promise, we should not be so charmed by them as to be caught off guard, making decisions we would not have made, had we been discerning, spiritually minded, and prayerful enough to remember that south winds do not last forever. It is in times such as these that the believer may tend to leap before he looks. Lunging ahead because it all feels good or makes sense to them. Often Christians toss around the phrase “The Lord’s will” to condone or endorse their actions, yet I would advise against such spiritual bravado. To “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9) is an immense responsibility in the life of the believer. Let the Bible speak for itself:

“Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:17

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."1 John 2:17

One thing I have learned about the southerly winds is that they can abruptly change from a soft, warm breeze and usher in a dramatic temperature drop accompanied by severe weather. As Paul and his fellow travelers found out, the sea was the last place anyone would want to be when those southerly winds changed their nature. And so it is with life. Some things can seem like a credible solution. Some changes may even appear to make better sense financially. You may even be counseled or encouraged by friends or acquaintances to go for it. But oh, how those brutal northwest winds can take you by surprise if you are not prepared for them! I have seen so many get themselves into some real hornets’ nests- from hasty marriages to up and moving to greener pastures- all in the name of “The Lord led me to do this”…Well, let me assure you, “As for God, his way is perfect:” Ps. 18:30. Nor is he the author of confusion.

The Bible has much to teach about obtaining the wisdom we need throughout our lives. In Proverbs 6, Solomon addresses the sluggard, or those who live in ease. Solomon tells the sluggard to consider his ways. Why? Because slothful people do not consider much. While we understand he is speaking of work ethic, let us consider the spiritual ramifications of taking our ease concerning spiritual matters. Just as slothfulness is a sure way to poverty, so carelessness in the Christian life can lead to wrong decisions which can alter the course of the life God had intended for us.

The Apostle Paul arrived at Rome, perhaps a little worse for wear- it is not every day someone experiences a raging storm at sea and shipwreck-but, nonetheless, he arrived unharmed. And the Lord blessed him and provided for him. The prisoners aboard the ship were handed over to the cruel Roman soldiers, but Paul was kept away from them. Soon, he was permitted to have his own place and lived there for two years. There he received his friends and anyone who wanted to hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And though many had the power to prohibit his preaching, no man did, for God would not allow it.

Paul, God’s choice servant, was never captivated by the southerly winds, but rather, kept his eyes fastened on the One Who created them.

Thank you so much for reading!

In Christ, Who is our life,

Liz